Beer café and shop at Shop 2, The Shutters, St Johns Street, Bury St Edmunds

What was proposed

The application sought to change a former funeral directors into a shop and seated bar operated by Burnt Mill Brewery, without external building changes.

“Planning permission is sought to change the use of a former funeral directors (Class E) into a shop and bar (Sui-Generis), to be operated by Burnt Mill Brewery who are currently based in Stowmarket. The development proposes the change of use only and there no external changes proposed to the building.”

“An indicative floor plan has been provided which illustrates that the unit measures approx. 140m 2 (including rear storage rooms, toilets etc) and could provide seating internally for up to 44 patrons, excluding staff.”

Officer report

Site and earlier uses

The unit is outside the town centre and primary shopping area, beside shops and homes, with earlier permissions for garage, retail and frontage works.

“The application site is located at The Shutters, along St John’s Street in central Bury St Edmunds. The site is within the Bury St Edmunds settlement boundary, however, sits just outside of the Conservation Area, Town Centre and Primary Shopping Area boundary.”

“The unit fronts St John’s Street, with The Flower Hut sitting immediately south and No. Foundry Terrace, a residential dwelling, on the northern boundary. Opposite the site is Tackle Up, a modest retail unit, with residential terraced dwellings to the north and opposite the unit, on the other side of St John’s Street.”

Officer report

What people said

Objections concerned noise, increased activity, opening hours, parking, sewage, fire escapes and the effect on St John’s Street’s character.

“Whilst the top end of St John’s Street is a busy shopping area, this part of the street has a markedly different character. What few shops there are: fishing tackle shop, flower shop, do not detract from the residential atmosphere, nor are they open in the evenings.”

“Noise • Increased Activity • Opening Hours • Parking • Sewage Systems • Fire Escapes • Impact to Character of St Johns Street…”

Officer report

Who spoke

Two neighbouring resident objectors and the Abbeygate ward member spoke against the application.

What members discussed

Members debated reduced opening hours, the lawful Class E fallback, noise controls, sound insulation, smoking outside and enforcement.

“Both Councillors Susan Glossop and Marilyn Sayer made reference to the Class E fallback consideration and stressed that the applicant would be able to operate the premises as a gym, restaurant or children’s nursery without requiring a change of use, all of which could potentially generate more noise nuisance than the proposed scheme would.”

“Other Members referenced the concerns raised by residents in respect of patrons potentially smoking outside the establishment. The Service Manager Planning reminded the Committee that the Planning Authority had no control over the public space outside a premises.”

Minutes

The vote

The committee approved the motion by 10 votes to 1, with 1 abstention, after agreeing further amendments to the conditions.

“Councillor Dicker subsequently proposed that the application be approved, as per the Officer recommendation and inclusive of the amendments to condition Nos 6 and 7, as outlined. This was duly seconded by Councillor Ian Houlder.”

“The Chair sought agreement from Councillors Dicker and Houlder to include this further amendment to condition No 5 in their proposal. Following which, upon being put to the vote and with 10 voting for the motion, 1 against and with 1 abstention, it was resolved that…”

Minutes