Civic Society welcomes officers’ recommendation to refuse 131’s planning applications but cautions against the creation of an unacceptable precedent should it be ignored
Cheltenham Civic Society (CCS) has welcomed the refusal recommendation by Cheltenham Borough Council’s (CBC’s) planning officers for the restaurant pavilions in front of Lucky Onion’s 131 restaurant. But CCS also issues a strong caution against an unacceptable precedent being set if the recommendation is ignored.
The two applications by the Lucky Onion Group, were very strongly opposed by the national heritage champion, Historic England, as well as The Georgian Group, Cheltenham’s Architects Panel and the Civic Society. Their main objections centred around the fact that both designs would obscure three of the town’s finest Grade II* Regency villas.
“We are particularly pleased that the officers’ recommendation sides with all of the main objections. However, the final decision will actually be made by the members of CBC’s Planning Committee at their meeting next Thursday. There is still a risk that they could fall for the charms of Lucky Onion’s PR campaign and ignore their own officers’ strong recommendation of refusal,” said CCS Chair, Andrew Booton.
“If they are minded to do that, then they should also be made aware that such a perverse decision could create a precedent that many others would cite to justify all manner of proposals to build in front of restaurants, shops, offices and homes across the whole town – whether they are listed or not.
“That would create a massive planning disaster for Cheltenham, which over the next half a century could do enormous damage to the look of the town.”
Both CCS and Historic England have previously suggested alternative ways for Lucky Onion to fulfil its business ambitions by locating one or more restaurant pavilions towards the rear of its site. That would allow the forecourts to return to their original use serving refreshments under attractive parasols.
CCS has also suggested that to respond to peak periods of demand – such as Race Week – Lucky Onion could make use of the government’s recent Class BB rules allowing businesses to erect temporary structures for up to 120 days a year.
“We would like Lucky Onion to take up these constructive suggestions, and we would happily work with them to help create something well designed and acceptable,” added Andrew Booton.
“However, we would also like to see the removal of the unlawful tents first.”