Issue - meetings

Construction of single storey temporary cafe / restaurant on a vacant site accessed from The Broadway via Rose Place, formed from four recycled shipping containers, including parking for two cars, bicycle storage and refuse and recycling storage.

RECOMMENDATION: grant permission subject to conditions.

The Committee considered a report on the application to grant planning permission for the construction of single storey temporary café/restaurant on a vacant site accessed from the Broadway formed from four recycled shipping containers. The report set out details of the proposal, the site and surroundings, planning history, relevant planning policy, consultation and responses, analysis, equalities and human rights implications and recommended to grant permission subject to conditions.

The planning officer gave a short presentation highlighting the key aspects of the report. Temporary planning permission was being sought for a 1 year period.

[19.12 – Cllr Doron arrived and by virtue of missing the officer introduction to the report, took no part in the determination of the application].

A number of objectors addressed the Committee and raised the following points regarding the application:

• The application would cause harm to the Conservation Area and Listed Building setting and that the Council’s Conservation Officer’s concurring view in this regard had been misrepresented within the report.
• The scope of the noise impact assessment undertaken had not included noise emanating from patrons of the café, the aspect of primary concern for neighbouring properties. It was considered that the Council had taken a cavalier approach to the risk of potential noise nuisance from an uninsulated building located in a residential area and which was contrary to the NPPF.
• The noise mitigation steps proposed were insufficient.
• The Council, as the freeholder of the site, had a vested interest in approving the application despite the concerns expressed by local residents.
• The Committee could not make an informed decision on the application without the provision of appropriate noise assessments and the subsequent consideration of appropriate mitigation. As such, the application should be refused or deferred.
• Crouch End was already well served with restaurants and cafes and the application would not enhance the Conservation Area.

Cllr Arthur addressed the Committee on behalf of the local Crouch End ward councillors. He identified that although the applicant had sought to engage with local residents and councillors and had good intentions for the business, the proximity of the site to properties on Weston Park and the insufficient mitigation measures proposed covering noise and litter meant that the application should be refused.  

The applicant’s representative addressed the Committee and raised the following points:

·         The venture would support local businesses used as suppliers, and provide employment and a service to the local community.

·         Despite the application being supported by the Planning Service, the applicant proposed a number of additional conditions be imposed to provide further assurance to local residents; no ancillary takeaway service provided, restricting the maximum number of covers to 38 inside and 12 outside, closure of the outside area from 7pm and requiring details of noise insulation works to be approved by the Council under condition. 

·         The orientation of the building in reference to neighbouring properties would mitigate any noise issues. Reports had shown that the structure would not cause overshadowing.

·         Emphasis was made of the non-permanent nature of the permission sought  ...  view the full minutes text for item 20