WAYTEMORE Castle is set to benefit from the conversion of the historic former Pearsons department store into two new restaurants for Bishop’s Stortford.

East Herts District Council planning officers recommend that an ambitious revamp scheme by developer Marshgate Bishop’s Stortford LLP be approved at a meeting of the council’s development management committee on Wednesday (February 4) – provided a raft of funding measures is agreed. These include:

■ £4,333 to improve access into and across the site of the scheduled ancient monument – the remains of an 11th-century motte and bailey fortress – in Castle Gardens, as well as new signage and facilities;

■ £6,000 for sustainable transport schemes;

■ £9,792 for primary education;

■ £5,328 for secondary schools;

■ £2,340 for nurseries;

■ £156 for youth provision;

■ £684 for child care; and

■ £1,548 towards libraries.

In addition, £1,243 would be required towards children’s play equipment in Sworders Field and Grange Paddocks.

In total, the committee will consider six applications, with all but advertisement consent being recommended for approval.

The first is for permission to change the use of 15-17 North Street from retail to restaurant and demolish and replace buildings at the rear of the plot with a residential development of 12 two-bed flats and parking.

Because of the age of the structure, this change also requires listed building consent, as do planned internal alterations to accommodate kitchen fittings at Nos 15 and 17.

Parisian-style bistro chain Côte has confirmed its interest in moving into the former department store with planning applications for advertising and listed building permission to install catering equipment and add awnings, hanging signs and an illuminated fascia; it is the proposed use of spotlights that has prompted opposition from EHDC planning officers.

Cafe-themed Bill’s is tipped to take the second unit.

A report to the committee says: “The proposed development can be considered in two parts: works to convert and refurbish the listed buildings (15-17 North Street) into restaurants and, secondly, demolition of the contemporary extensions to the immediate rear of the historic (and original parts of the listed buildings) to form outside space to the two restaurants and, beyond that, the provision of a new building to provide 12 residential apartments.”

English Heritage has raised no objection to the proposals, taking the view that the conversion can be accomplished “without harming the significance of the building” while “the proposed repair and restoration of the historic fabric would safeguard the future of the listed building”.

Originally, Nos 15 and 17 were houses. The Herts county archaeologist says that as both grade II structures date from the 17th century, they were probably not the first buildings to stand on the site, which was once two “medieval burgage plots” or rental properties. As a result, the department has called for a programme of archaeological work before work starts.