Lounge bar and restaurant at 299-303 Chiswick High Road, Chiswick, London W4

What was proposed

Retrospective permission was sought to use the basement as a lounge bar and the ground floor as a restaurant, with late operating hours.

“DETAILS OF PROPOSAL 3.1 Retrospective permission is sought for the change of use of the existing food takeaway business and restaurant into a lounge bar on the basement floor and restaurant on the ground floor of 299 to 303 Chiswick High Road.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site comprises three buildings with shops below flats in Chiswick Town Centre, within the Turnham Green Conservation Area.

“Figure 1 Proposed Location Plan 2.1 The site consists of three three-storey buildings fronting Chiswick High Road within a row of terraced house (281-303 Chiswick High Road). The basement and ground floor units of the buildings are used as shops and the above floors are flats. The subject site backs an alley, which provides access and parking space. The site is within Chiswick Town Centre and is a Secondary Shopping Frontage.”

Officer report

What officers advised

Officers recommended approval because the use would support the town centre, change no external appearance and, after testing, would not harm neighbours through noise.

“The lounge bar in the basement would be a suitable use for the Chiswick Town Centre, as it would bring a variety and maintain the evening economy and business activity. The lounge at the basement would not harm retail offer and floorspace of the centre in line with Local Plan policy TC2. The site is within Chiswick Town Centre, Chiswick Secondary Shopping Frontage and a Key Existing Office Location.”

“The applicant obtained a license to operate from 9am to 1am on Sundays to Thursdays and 9am to 1:30am on Fridays and Saturdays in October 2024. In March 2025, the applicant coordinated an on-site inspection with the Council’s Regulatory Officer, and various forms of noise break out testing were conducted in the presence of the Council officers. The testing was focused on amplified music and the associated control measures, such as the use of a noise limiter.”

Officer report

Objections and concerns

Four objections were received, while the ward councillor raised concerns about noise, waste management and fire safety.

“Councillor Biddolph has called in the application due to concerns around noise, waste management and fire safety.”

Officer report

Noise and waste concerns

A resident and the ward councillor raised concerns about lateral noise, vibrations, doors opening and closing, and waste at the rear.

“A resident living near the premises stated that there was insufficient soundproofing to adjacent properties, not above and below, but at basement and ground levels at the side. The resident was a soundproofing engineer by profession and so knew how noise travelled. There was a difference between volume, or decibel (dB) levels, and vibrations caused by lower broadcast frequencies.”

“Responding to a question that pointed out the difference between the resident’s statements about noise in her flat and the report, which said that the Council’s Regulatory Team were satisfied with noise test results and did not consider that the Application, if successful, would result in harm or noise disturbance to neighbours, Cllr Biddolph advised that she was repeating the resident’s concerns and that perhaps noise effects had not been tested laterally.”

Minutes

Who spoke

The ward councillor spoke against the application, while the applicant supported it and described the soundproofing, sound system and waste arrangements.

Members’ discussion

Members considered the site visit, noise testing, possible nuisance and the potential benefits of increased footfall and evening activity.

“Cllr Tom Bruce believed that the Application was a making good use of the space and would help in bringing footfall to the area, which was less active than the rest of Chiswick High Road. He understood the issues raised but noted that Regulatory Officers were satisfied with the noise levels.”

“Cllr John Stroud-Turp echoed concerns about possible effects of noise on residents, particularly during the evening/night, but advised that the current Application has been sent back several times and the Applicant had made efforts to meet standards. The Council would be able to take action should the premises cause a nuisance to neighbours but he believed that the objective analysis of the report should be given weight.”

Minutes

The vote

Members voted unanimously to approve the officer’s recommendations, with 13 votes in favour and none against or abstaining.

“Cllr John Stroud-Turp moved approval of the officer’s recommendations, seconded by Cllr Tom Bruce. Members voted unanimously to approve the recommendations.”

“For – 13 votes Against – None Abstentions - None…”

Minutes

The decision

Planning permission was approved for the retrospective lounge bar and restaurant use, subject to conditions.

“Resolved – that planning permission for planning application P/2025/1945, retrospective permission for the change of use of the existing food takeaway business and restaurant into a lounge bar on the basement floor and restaurant on the ground floor of 299 to 303 Chiswick High Road, was approved subject to conditions.”

Minutes

Conditions attached

The conditions control the approved hours, require the noise and dispersal measures, and require secure covered cycle parking details.

“NP06 Hours of Use The uses of the property hereby approved shall only be operational between 9am to 1am on Sundays to Thursdays and 9am to 1:30am on Fridays and Saturdays. Reason: To safeguard the amenity of surrounding residential neighbours, in accordance with policies CC1 and CC2 of the Local Plan. N/S Noise…”

“The noise management policy, dispersal policy and mitigation strategies shall be carried out in accordance with the hereby approved Noise Impact Assessment, any alterations or amendments must be agreed in writing with the Local Planning Authority. Reason: In order to protect neighbours’ living conditions, in accordance with policies EQ5, CC1 and CC2 of the Local Plan.”

Officer report