Uncertainty surrounds the future of a popular Chester bar after retrospective planning permission for it to sell food and drink was knocked back.
Cheshire West and Chester Council said it was “considering next steps” after rejecting an application by The Suburbs bar in Hoole, stating that it had not provided adequate assurances over the impact of noise and odour on surrounding properties.
The Suburbs opened as a bar nearly a decade ago and evolved into a popular food venue. But last year it announced it was no longer serving food, saying it did not want to pass on rising costs to customers. Following a change of layout, the venue on Charles Street applied for retrospective permission for change of use to an eating and drinking establishment.
A planning officer’s report, said, “More recently, 20 and 22 Charles Street were run as one eating and drinking establishment with the internal subdividing wall at ground floor being removed.
“A planning application to consider the use as a single unit was withdrawn prior to determination when the applicant closed 20 Charles Street and reinstated the internal boundary wall. Number 20 Charles Street remains vacant. This application seeks planning permission for a drinking and eating establishment at 22 Charles Street.”
But the planning department has rejected the application, stating it had not been provided with the supporting information it required.
A decision notice published online, said, “Due to the lack of information, it cannot be concluded that the use would not result in a significant adverse impact upon residential amenity from noise and odour from the use of the premises as a drinking and eating establishment.”
It added, “The local planning authority considers that the proposed development is unacceptable due to impact on residential amenity. A noise assessment has not been submitted to review the impacts despite repeated requests.
“It has therefore not been possible to work with the applicant in a positive and proactive way to secure a development that will improve the economic, social and environmental conditions of the area.”
Founded by Kingdom Thenga – who also runs a string of other local ventures and has taken a lead on community initiatives during the Covid-19 crisis and the Ukraine humanitarian appeal – last year The Suburbs was named among 100 inspirational small businesses in the UK by the Small Business Saturday campaign.
A Cheshire West and Chester spokesman told the LDRS, “The applicant has the right to appeal against the decision to the Planning Inspectorate.
“The council is considering what the appropriate next steps are with regards to taking planning enforcement action.”
The Suburbs did not respond to requests for comment.
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