Reading Nando's built delivery hatch without planning permission

The popular chicken chain has applied for retrospective planning permission for the access hatch window, which is used by Deliveroo riders to collect food for delivery.

The application seeks retrospective planning permission for the installation of an access hatch window on the ground floor, eastern side, of the restaurant.

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The hatch was installed on  on April 12, with the plans submitted a month later on May 7.

Normally, applications should be made prior to carrying out changes to buildings. If the application were to be rejected, Nandos might have to reverse the works.

The plans also include refurbishment of the restaurant to “improve and revitalise the overall appearance of the exterior”.

The Nando's delivery hatch

The hatch will only be opened at the point of collection, which is pre-arranged between the restaurant and the third-party service (Deliveroo) making the collection.

It will not be used by individual customers collecting their orders. Customers will continue to be required to collect these from within the restaurant.

In between collections, the access window will remain shut to ensure that any noise from within the restaurant is successfully contained.

First Plan, planning consultants for Nando's said the installation of the hatch has significantly improved its day-to-day operations and “undoubtedly remains sympathetic to the existing appearance of the restaurant”.

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The consultant added: “The minor physical works are modest in scale, but continue to demonstrate Nando’s significant investment in this location, which will result in a vibrant and attractive restaurant, and are considered to fully accord with the identified national and local policies.

“We therefore trust that the council will consider the proposal to be acceptable.”