A popular Derby restaurant has been granted permission to expand after its owner said there was increasing demand from customers.
Sanj Kumar, owner of Nicco Restaurant at Pride Park, has spoken of his delight after Derby City Council chiefs gave the expansion the go-ahead.
Mr Kumar previously stated how the Wheelwright Way restaurant has become so popular that it currently cannot cater for all the bookings requested.
The restaurant has now started to open ‘after hours’ on Saturdays to try and bring more people in.
The successful Indian restaurant at Pride Park is just a few minutes’ walk from Pride Park Stadium – making it a popular venue on Derby County match days.
It opened several years ago following the closure of the Chiquito restaurant.
Earlier this year, Nicco Restaurant requested planning permission from the city council for a side extension with the aim of having more dining and function space.
The extra space could be used for weddings, birthday events, other celebratory events and group bookings, Mr Kumar said.
Speaking about the go-ahead, Mr Kumar said: “I’m really excited about it all. We’ve got some work going on at the moment but I’m hoping we can start work in early 2027.
“It’s been a record-breaking year for us in terms of bookings, customers, parties, etc., and it’s a case of us staying on top of our game. The extension will add value for us.”
Earlier this year, Mr Kumar told the Local Democracy Reporting Service the venue was getting so much demand it had to turn people away because of a lack of space.
He said: “We are turning a lot (of booking interest) away because we can’t cater for everyone.
“The extension will have its own bar and mini kitchen and its own sound system. It will be a group’s own secure space.”
Planning documents stated it was hoped the extension would boost Derby’s economy.
Approval has also been given to a new staff parking area to improve site management by separating staff and delivery vehicles from customer areas.
A decision notice from Derby City Council reads: “The proposal is an acceptable form of development that, on balance, accords with the Development Plan when read as a whole.
“In dealing with this application the city council has worked with the applicant and/or agent in a positive and proactive manner and has secured appropriate and proportionate improvements to the scheme, which relate to further highways information.”
By Nigel Slater (Local Democracy Reporter)
