Twelve food businesses at Gloucester Quays have applied for planning permission with Gloucester City Council to be used as temporary takeaways.

Planning paperwork says Gloucester Quays are taking advantage of the amended Town and Country Planning Order 2020 which came into effect on March 24. 

The legislation introduces a new Class DA, meaning 'restaurants and cafes, drinking establishments and drinking establishments with expanded food provision to temporarily provide takeaway food'.

It is hoped that changing the use of specific units in the centre will ensure the restaurants survive beyond the coronavirus pandemic.

Applications submitted cover units occupied by Portivo Lounge, Carluccio's, Bill's, Caffe Nero, The Cornish Pasty, Costa Coffee, Brewhouse & Kitchen, Coal Grill and Bar, Five Guys, Pizza Express and Cote Brasserie.

Once approved, it will allow customers to collect food and drink while current government guidance restricts them from opening for table service.

Other eateries already offering takeaway services within Gloucester Docks include On Toast, The Med, Settebello and Greek on the Docks.

This decision by Gloucester Quays follows a similar scheme in Cheltenham where the Borough Council are offering a fast-tracked planning process for businesses wanting to change their use to takeaways, enabling them to continue operating through the crisis.