Post by keith on Dec 8, 2011 21:02:13 GMT 1
TWO proposals for a café bar and restaurant in Newland Avenue were refused by councillors yesterday.
It was a decision residents and traders have been waiting on for weeks.
.
But now, after almost 400 objections between the two proposals, applications to turn the former Tony's Textiles into a restaurant and to convert the former Heron's Frozen Foods into a café bar were refused permission.
Local organisations hope the decision will set the bar for future planning proposals.
Norman Elwick, chairman of Newland Residents' Association, said: "We are very pleased common sense has prevailed and the planning committee has listened to local opinion.
"We hope any other developers wanting to pursue that sort of planning proposal will seriously think carefully before doing so."
Traders and residents have met on numerous occasions to discuss the two applications, saying that if given the go-ahead, they would increase the night time trade and therefore decrease the footfall to shops during the day.
They also believed the proposals would have increased problems with noise, antisocial behaviour, parking and waste disposal.
Councillor Mike Ross, who represents Newland Ward, said: "The planning committee have set a very high standard now about what they want to see in any future applications.
"For the residents, Christmas has come early.
"Their objections have been listened to and their points were valid.
"They want to see Newland Avenue a busy place with lots of different traders.
"Hopefully, this signifies the point that there is a need for balance and will encourage people to set up shops."
Several residents spoke in objection to both applications, but the proposals also had their supporters.
Planning consultant Doug Jennings supported the restaurant application.
He said: "People must remember this application is for a restaurant, not a bar, and is at the end of Newland Avenue where retail outlets are less concentrated.
"There were recommended conditions on openings which I think would have been appropriate."
Chris Kendall, of Hickling Gray Associates, is the agent for Tealby Estates, which was behind the café bar proposals.
He said: "I don't think the percentage of these type of outlets has reached the point where the shopping function of the area is being diminished."
Although the planning committee has refused permission, both applicants have the right to appeal.
However, they did not indicate at the meeting whether or not they intended to do so.
It was a decision residents and traders have been waiting on for weeks.
.
But now, after almost 400 objections between the two proposals, applications to turn the former Tony's Textiles into a restaurant and to convert the former Heron's Frozen Foods into a café bar were refused permission.
Local organisations hope the decision will set the bar for future planning proposals.
Norman Elwick, chairman of Newland Residents' Association, said: "We are very pleased common sense has prevailed and the planning committee has listened to local opinion.
"We hope any other developers wanting to pursue that sort of planning proposal will seriously think carefully before doing so."
Traders and residents have met on numerous occasions to discuss the two applications, saying that if given the go-ahead, they would increase the night time trade and therefore decrease the footfall to shops during the day.
They also believed the proposals would have increased problems with noise, antisocial behaviour, parking and waste disposal.
Councillor Mike Ross, who represents Newland Ward, said: "The planning committee have set a very high standard now about what they want to see in any future applications.
"For the residents, Christmas has come early.
"Their objections have been listened to and their points were valid.
"They want to see Newland Avenue a busy place with lots of different traders.
"Hopefully, this signifies the point that there is a need for balance and will encourage people to set up shops."
Several residents spoke in objection to both applications, but the proposals also had their supporters.
Planning consultant Doug Jennings supported the restaurant application.
He said: "People must remember this application is for a restaurant, not a bar, and is at the end of Newland Avenue where retail outlets are less concentrated.
"There were recommended conditions on openings which I think would have been appropriate."
Chris Kendall, of Hickling Gray Associates, is the agent for Tealby Estates, which was behind the café bar proposals.
He said: "I don't think the percentage of these type of outlets has reached the point where the shopping function of the area is being diminished."
Although the planning committee has refused permission, both applicants have the right to appeal.
However, they did not indicate at the meeting whether or not they intended to do so.