Removal of ‘tatty tents’ outside 131 Promenade welcomed
Cheltenham Civic Society has welcome the removal of the marquees outside the 131 restaurant and bar that drew owner Julian Dunkerton into a planning row, but there is no news yet on their replacement.
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The removal of the controversial white ‘tents’ outside Julian Dunkerton’s 131 Promenade has been welcomed by a Cheltenham conservation group.
Plans to replace the temporary marquees, which have been in situ since the coronavirus pandemic, with a metal pergola with a retractable roof was approved in January this year.
This will provide a covered outside seating area at 129-133. The ‘tents’ have been described as “tatty” and as an eyesore in the spa town.
They were installed outside the hotel and restaurant while planning enforcement against moveable structures was relaxed during the Covid-19 pandemic to allow bars and restaurants to use external spaces and meet social distancing requirements.
However, after the relaxation rules ended in 2022 they remained and several attempts to keep the structures there while long term plans were devised.
These were rejected and then a planning enforcement notice was issued in January 2024 to remove the temporary structures – an appeal was lodged against this.
And in the meantime two planning applications for a permanent structure for outdoor seating were submitted and considered by the Borough Council.
Planners gave the go-ahead for the design which featured a slim, unobtrusive metal pergola with a retractable roof.
Now the marquees have been removed, something the Civic Society has welcomed due to their impact on the conservation are and the historic spa town buildings.
“Lovely to see the tents have gone from part of the forecourt of 131, replaced with graceful parasols that allow the beautiful Grade II* facades to be seen,” a spokesperson said.
“That’s how it’s done.”
Number 131 has been approached for comment on the plans and when the pergola is likely to be installed.
By Carmelo Garcia, local democracy reporter for Gloucestershire. carmelo.garcia@reachplc.com