A noodle bar has been given approval to open in a busy Brighton street after an appeal to a planning inspector.
The takeaway will take over the Green Chair café premises in Queen’s Road, Brighton, next to the Hope and Ruin pub, near the corner of Church Street.
The planning application – for a change of use – was made by Pavel Preobrazhenskiy, of Shelton Street, London, to Brighton and Hove City Council in February.
The council turned down the plans in April and Mr Preobrazhenskiy appealed against the decision.
The planning inspector said that a key issue was the council’s aim of ensuring the vitality and viability of the regional shopping centre.
The other main issue revolved around the living conditions of people living near, with particular concerns about noise disturbance and smells.
After a site visit last month the inspector, C Jack, said: “The overall effect … as a result of the change of use would be very limited, such that it would not have a significant impact on the overall function of the area.
“In contributing to the sustainable mix of uses in the area, the proposal would generate a small amount of additional local employment and help support the early evening economy.
“The proposed change of use would support rather than harm the vitality and viability of the regional shopping centre.”
The inspector imposed planning conditions restricting the hours of opening to 8pm “in the interests of the living conditions of nearby residents”.
Residents won’t KNOW that hours of trading are restricted to 8pm unless very vigilant and involved and aware of this application. They need to watch for creeping time keeping which would allow the noodle bar to apply for a later opening time on, justified by lack of complaint or comment.
But if rental premises are involved, many people may be unaware of how to deal with Enforcement. I wish there was the resources to letter surrounding premises to inform them of the Planning Inspector’s decision and to give details of how to contact Enforcement should the need arise.
In an ideal world, perhaps Ward Councillors could keep abreast of situations like this and letter their residents with the relevant information. That’s a hint BTW should any ward cllr be giving attention to this.