Restaurant outdoor seating at 5 Park Drive, London E14

Outdoor seating for a restaurant

The application sought outdoor seating, umbrella coverings and associated works for a restaurant, alongside two related applications for the wider site.

“Paul Buckenham (PB) introduced the item and highlighted that the report related to three planning applications. The Committee was informed that the first application was the principal one and should be considered in conjunction with the remaining two applications, as they related to the same wider development.”

“The first application was for proposed outdoor seating for the adjacent restaurant, umbrella coverings and associated works.”

Minutes

An earlier version was refused

A previous application to expand the terrace had been refused over access issues, and the new proposal addressed this by adding an alternative pedestrian route around the building.

“Following the introduction, Nicholas Jehan (NJ), Planning Case Officer, presented the applications, outlining the existing arrangements for the proposed restaurant terrace in the wider context of the site. He also highlighted the site’s relevant planning history, including the refusal of a previous application to expand the terrace due to access issues.”

Minutes

Officers recommended approval

Officers found the revised pedestrian route acceptable and recommended that permission be granted, with added conditions to limit noise and manage the terrace's operation.

“PB drew Members’ attention to the update report, highlighting the inclusion of further relevant planning history relating to the wider Wood Wharf development, as well as the additional representations that had been received since the publication of the agenda.”

“With these considerations, the Committee was advised that officers found the revised pedestrian arrangements and associated amendments to be acceptable and that the proposals would not result in an unacceptable impact on privacy, residential amenity or anti-social behaviour.”

Minutes

Objectors feared loss of public space

Two objectors said the proposals would reduce public realm and amenity space, worsen accessibility, and raise fire safety concerns near an emergency exit, urging refusal.

“The Committee then heard from an objector who argued that the proposed non-material amendment and the application to approve updated details were procedurally inappropriate and raised concerns regarding the loss of public realm and community amenity space, accessibility, residential amenity, noise, fire safety and the deliverability of the proposals. The Committee was urged to refuse the applications.”

“Members heard from a second objector, who expressed concerns that the proposals would result in the loss of public realm for the benefit of commercial use and that the proposed replacement pedestrian route would be less accessible, of lower quality and more constrained than the existing route.”

Minutes

The applicant's agent cited economic benefits

The applicant's representative said the revised route resolved the previous refusal, and highlighted job creation and investment from the restaurant's operation.

Members queried space, security and noise

Members queried the loss of public space and the new route's security, and officers said additional conditions would control noise and protect access.

“In considering the item, Members queried the proposed non-material amendment, pointing out concerns about the loss of public space. Officers advised that the area affected was a relatively small portion of the wider residents’ garden with low amenity value, as well as provided assurance that residents would continue to have access to a range of private and communal spaces across the area and that the proposal remained consistent with the Wood Wharf Masterplan.”

“Concerns were expressed over noise, anti-social behaviour and impact on residential amenity. Officers provided assurance that additional conditions requiring an updated operational management plan for the restaurant terrace would be in place, including restrictions on music, controls over the use of the terrace and measures to minimise noise impacts on nearby residents. Additional concerns were expressed on fire safety.”

Minutes

Approved unanimously

The committee voted unanimously to grant planning permission subject to the conditions in the main and update reports.

“Regarding PA/25/01815, the Committee voted 6 in favour, 0 against and 0 abstaining.”

“That planning permission for PA/25/01815, 5 Park Drive, London, E14 9GG, be GRANTED subject to the conditions in the main report and update report;”

Minutes