Smacks Hamburgers withdraw signage plans for Colchester unit

A bid had been submitted revealing Smacks Hamburgers were looking to open in a vacant store on the High Street.

Plans for changes to be made to the premises which formerly housed Optical Revolution were submitted to Colchester Council previously.

These were given the green light last December.

The building will be used as a restaurant with some changes to the internal layout of the building.

Smacks Hamburgers was set to replace the former Optical Revolution store on the High Street (Image: Google Maps)

Smacks Hamburgers had applied to the council for listed building consent to place signs outside the restaurant.

It includes one main illuminated sign and a hanging sign.

The application said: “The number, location and scale of the signage would not be increased from the existing situation.

“In this respect there would be no increased impact on the character and appearance of the conservation area or the character of the listed building.”

The application added the changes would “preserve and enhance” the character of the area.

However, now the future of the site is up in the air, after the plans for listed building consent have been withdrawn.

It is unknown what this means for the prospect of the site, as the reason for withdrawal was not revealed.

"This application was withdrawn on 17 May 2023", the application says.

The shop was due to open in Colchester High Street (Image: Newsquest)

The plans had previously been objected to by The Colchester Civic Society.

A statement reads: “We wish to object to this proposal for illuminated signage in the High Street.

“The brand colour scheme and graphic design is unacceptable to the frontage of a listed Grade II building in the Street which forms a critical role in the Conservation Area of the City centre.

“We would contend that there is also no shortage of choice of very similar food offers in the immediate area."

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Smacks Hamburgers has restaurants in a number of locations across London.

It is also in the process of opening eateries in Ilford and Southport.

On its website the brand says: “At Smacks we promise to deliver freshly ground prime Angus beef burgers and freshly prepared Fried Chicken daily.

“We only use carefully selected quality ingredients to deliver the Smacks experience. With unique sauces to give you a truly delicious unique taste.”

The menu includes a range of burgers, wraps and wings.

Smacks Hamburgers was contacted for comment.