A DINER is being set up next to the ring road.

Chunky Chicken plans to open a restaurant on the former Bar Amour site at Zetland Street in Huddersfield town centre.

The building is being re-fitted at the moment and the diner is expected to open around Easter.

Bal Khela, who owns the property on the corner of Zetland Street and Queensgate, is relieved that work is under way.

He has been looking for a new tenant since Bar Amour closed in 2009.

Mr Khela said: “It’s been difficult to find the right client. There were people who were interested in it, but nothing materialised.

“I was looking for security, for someone who could make it work for a good long time.

“There are a lot of people looking to rent premises for new ventures, but there’s no guarantee with that.”

Mr Khela believes Chunky Chicken will be a success.

“It will be a food outlet on the ring road and opposite the university, so there are a lot of plus points,” he said.

Chunky Chicken has more than 10 restaurants in the North of England, including outlets in Wakefield, Bradford and Halifax.

David Storrie Associates has applied to Kirklees Council for planning permission to install six lit signs at the site as part of the re-fit.

In a report to Kirklees, the agent said the signs were appropriate for a Grade II listed building within a conservation area.

The statement says: “The signs proposed have been located in positions that do not obscure any existing architectural or historical features of the host buildings.

“The signs have been located as discreetly as possible, in positions that are appropriate, of a minimum size and individual illuminated letters.

“It is our opinion that the signs are appropriate and in accordance with planning policy.”

Kirklees is yet to rule on the planning application, which was received on February 15.