Bar with shopfront changes at 47 Ennerdale Drive, Litherland

What was proposed

The application proposed changing a vacant car parts shop into a bar, with a new shopfront and alterations to windows and doors.

“Proposal: Change of use from vacant car parts shop to a bar (Sui Generis) including the installaƟon of a new shopfront, and alteraƟons to the window and door openings including the installaƟon of 1no. ground floor window to the side elevaƟon and 1no. door to the rear elevaƟon.”

“The proposal seeks to change the use of 47 Ennerdale Drive, Litherland, from a Class E use to operate within a “sui generis” use class as a drinking establishment. This includes the installaƟon of a new shopfront and some alteraƟons to windows and doors. The main issues to consider are the acceptability of the use in principle and any impact on design, neighbouring residents and the general environment and maƩers relaƟng to parking and highway safety.”

Officer report

The site

The single-storey unit stood at the end of a six-unit shopping parade beside Hawkshead Drive, in a mainly residential area.

“The applicaƟon site comprises a shop unit formerly operated as a Land Rover car parts merchant. It is located at the end of a shopping parade on Ennerdale Drive, where the parade meets Hawkshead Drive. It is a single-storey building. There is a grassed area adjacent to 47 Ennerdale Drive on the corner of Hawkshead Drive. The shopping parade runs from Netherton Park Road to Hawkeshead Drive and comprises six units which accommodate a number of different commercial uses.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because the small bar could be managed by conditions and would not cause unacceptable harm to residents, parking or highway safety.

“The premises are fairly small and in a shopping parade where commercial acƟvity is expected. It is considered that subject to appropriate condiƟons any impacts can be managed. There are no highway safety concerns or unacceptable implicaƟons in terms of parking provision. There are no objecƟons from Environmental Health or any other statutory consultees subject to appropriate condiƟons.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Highways raised no objection, while Environmental Health supported the proposal subject to conditions.

“Highways Manager No objecƟons to the proposal as there are no adverse highway safety implicaƟons.”

“Environmental Health Manager No objecƟon subject to condiƟons.”

Officer report

What people said

Supporters cited community and economic benefits, while objectors raised noise, traffic, parking, antisocial behaviour and residential amenity concerns.

“- PosiƟve impact on local community (sense of community, community spirit, bringing people together, socialising, easy access for pensioners to meet etc) - Clears up eye sore shop unit - PosiƟve sight to see a business on the block of shops rather than an empty commercial property with no prospects to open. - Get behind local businesses - Bring employment - Would bring extra business/ fooƞall to exisƟng shops on street.”

“ObjecƟons - Noise concerns - Highway Safety and Parking concerns…”

Officer report

Who spoke

The ward councillor spoke for objectors, and the applicant responded before the application was considered.

Members’ concerns

Members focused on possible noise disturbance and overlooking from the proposed side window.

“Arising from the discussion Members considered carefully the concerns of local residents regarding the potential for disturbance from noise emanating from the premises and the issue of overlooking from the proposed additional window to the side elevation of the premises.”

Minutes

The committee vote

The committee approved the recommendation and granted the application subject to the stated and additional conditions.

“That the recommendation be approved and the application be granted subject to the conditions and for the reasons stated or referred to in the report and subject to the following additional conditions:”

Minutes

Additional conditions

The committee required a premises management plan, a 10pm operating limit and obscured glazing for the new side window.

“(i) the implementation of a Management Plan for the premises to include a point of contact for local residents;”

“(iii) the proposed new Window on the side elevation of the premises utilising obscured glazing.”

Minutes