Former reptile pet shop to become pizza takeaway

Plans to convert a former reptile pet shop into a pizza takeaway have been approved.

Reptili, which sold a range of animals from snakes to bearded dragons, opened on Scalford Drive in Peterborough in May 2022 and closed down in December 2023.

Plans for the new takeaway were approved by Peterborough City Council planners on Tuesday.

The applicant, Amiri, said it would provide a "high-quality food service" while minimising the impact on the surrounding environment and residents.

Plans stated the takeaway would specialise in freshly prepared pizzas and would not serve fried foods or any items with high grease or odour emissions.

A specialist pizza oven with an integrated catalytic converter will be used to minimise smoke, the application said.

The unit is located between a Chinese takeaway and a beauty salon.

The new business must operate only between the hours of 11:00 and 23:00 from Monday to Thursday and Sundays, and between 11:00 and 23:30 on Fridays and Saturdays.

The decision document stated: "The local planning authority have worked with the applicant in a positive and proactive manner based on seeking solutions to problems arising in relation to dealing with the planning application.

"Amendments were discussed and agreed with the applicant to bring the proposal into compliance with policy, and the application can therefore be approved."

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