Empty vape shop in Brighton to become fried chicken shop

The proposal sought to to bring new life to an empty commercial unit at 141 Western Road in Brighton.

Submitted to Brighton and Hove City Council, the application requested a change of use for the site near Churchill Square shopping centre.

The property formerly housed Lera Vapes Expert Supermarket and operated as a Johnsons dry cleaners for several years before that.

The premises is located at 141 Western Road (Image: Keeran Designs Ltd)

The plans were submitted on behalf of Tamoor Khan of Savour Station Ltd.

The application stated that the proposal would make use of the property within a busy shopping area and introduce a menu that stands out from competitors.

Documents submitted to the council said: "Keeping in mind the need to provide a variety of food, and as welcomed by the local customers, our client decided to introduce fried chicken takeaway.

"This will not only increase the business but also bring further revenue to the authorities and create additional job opportunities."

The unit is currently vacant and boarded up (Image: Keeran Designs Ltd)

The proposal suggested that the takeaway would open from 11am until midnight. However, Sussex Police recommended and the city council's Environmental Protection department felt that a closing time of 11pm was more appropriate, which was agreed upon by council planning officers.

Because the terraced building has three floors of residential flats above the shop, the plans include measures to prevent noise and odour pollution.

The Environmental Protection department described the proposed cooking type as "very high odour", and "requiring a high level of odour control".

A new kitchen extraction system, canopy and flue pipe riser would be installed at the rear of the building.

The applicant promised to use anti-vibration brackets to mount the equipment to avoid disturbing neighbours.

The submission added: "The application represents a well-considered proposal which incorporates an adequate design that makes excellent use of the premises, without compromising the amenities of residents and other folk."

The site once housed a Johnsons dry cleaners (Image: Google)

A new walk-in cooler is also planned for the lower ground floor of the site.

The plans were approved by Brighton and Hove City Council on July 15.

Residents can view the full planning application using the reference BH2026/00277.