Celebrity chef Jamie Oliver could soon move an important step closer to opening a restaurant in Norwich's Royal Arcade.

The plans for a Jamie's Italian restaurant on a site currently occupied by a branch of Waterstone's booksellers have been recommended for approval when the city council's planning applications committee considers them on Thursday.

A company spokesman said that the restaurant opening, part of a rapid national expansion of the Jamie's Italian chain, could happen in time for next summer, creating up to 95 jobs.

A report by council officers offers the judgment that the proposed internal alterations will not harm the character or significance of the Grade II * listed building.

And it says the scheme would also bring a number of benefits, for example bringing the second floor back into use and offering public access to the bacony above the former ballroom. It says that allowing the restaurant would meet national policy guidelines regarding the promotion of vital and competitive city centres.

Officers regard the proposed restaurant signage as 'relatively low key' and in keeping with the building. The report flags up the concerns of some neighbouring businesses that the use might not be compatible with the building, which they describe as a fine example of George Skipper's architecture.

Letters of objection also raise concerns that Norwich already has many food outlets, daily food deliveries would bring problems to the arcade and that the proposed fluorescent lighting would not be in keeping.

As previously reported, several local traders have welcomed the plans as a positve step for the arcade.

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