Timber seating enclosure at 1 Harris Drive, Bootle

“Proposal: Variation of condition 2 and 3 pursuant to planning permission DC/2024/01248 refused 20.09.2024 allowed on appeal ref: APP/M4320/W/24/3356240 dated 09.04.2025 to allow alterations to layout of outside seating area bollards and barrier system to timber framed enclosure.”

“The application site comprises the external area to the front of 1 Harris Drive which is a single storey building used as a drinking establishment located at the junction of Harris Drive and Hawthorne Road in Bootle. The premises are at the end of a shopping parade which runs from the corner of Hawthorne Road towards Harris Drive and accommodates a number of different commercial uses.”

“DC/2024/00229 – Change of use from Class E to a drinking establishment (Sui Generis) with the provision of live music. Approved April 2024. (The outside seating area was removed from this scheme).”

“DC/2024/01248 – Layout of an outside seating area with vehicle bollards and barrier system. Refused September 2024. Appeal allowed April 2025.”

“The proposal involves the replacement of the previously approved barrier system with a timber-framed enclosure to define the outdoor seating area. The enclosure, which has already been installed, comprises horizontally arranged timber panels and occupies a smaller footprint than the original approved layout. Its reduced scale contributes to a more contained and visually coherent outdoor space.”

“Overall, the proposal is considered to have an acceptable impact on the character and appearance of the area, subject to conditions that secure its ongoing maintenance and ensure its appropriate use. Accordingly, the proposal is deemed to comply with Policy EQ2 ‘Design’.”

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

“Environmental Health Manager No objection subject to conditions.”

“Three representations have been received all objecting to the proposal. The reasons for the objections are summarised below:”

“- Outside seating area is intimidating to walk around with noisy groups of people drinking and swearing - The seating area takes up a lot of pavement space along with illegal parking - Highways safety issues with structure in place and parking - Users of the seating area spill out around either side of the fence - Increase in antisocial behaviour - Chairs and tables left out past opening hours - Impact on delivery as existing shops cannot use space for parking with customers…”

“Arising from the discussion Members confirmed that the new timber framed enclosure was smaller than that which had been approved on appeal, and expressed the view that, to limit disturbance to nearby residents, drinking should be confined to within that designated seating area.”

“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 additional condition to prevent drinking outside of designated seating area.”