Plans for a taco restaurant in Wantage have suffered a major setback after the planning authority rejected the latest application.

NAM Taco Bar would operate out of the vacant property at 8 Newbury Street, which was formerly occupied by Alexander’s Hair Studio, under plans by applicant James Bradshaw.

But his building control application, which would see a new serving area, kitchen and seating installed in the premises, was rejected on June 10 by Vale of White Horse District Council.  

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Head of planning Adrian Duffield said the toilet facilities included in the plans were inadequate - for both wheelchair users and the general public - and said the emergency lighting near the bottom of the stairs was also poor.

Mr Bradshaw has not decided his next step in regard to the restaurant.

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The restaurateur, 38, who owned several establishments in Hong Kong before moving to Wantage in 2021, said the restaurant would be plant-based.

The menu would feature tacos filled with options such as crispy peking mushrooms or meatballs and smoked pâté, as well as salads such as minced Thai larb and Dan-Dan slaw.

The drinks menu would include soft refreshments, beer and cider, wines, and cocktails including a ‘new fashioned’ – made with rum and curry leaf – and a ‘basilica’ gin and tonic.

Mr Bradshaw had already received an alcohol license and premises license since he took over the lease of the property in January.