Sadness as 131 Promenade ‘precedent’ used by justify more town centre plans
Cheltenham Civic Society sights concerns as another town centre business uses the outcome of a controversial planning battle involving Julian Dunkerton's hotel to push for development.
*The Raikes Journal is the only independent news outlet in Gloucestershire approved to use the copy of the BBC local government reporting service. Why? Only only independent, credible journalistically-led platforms that meet the BBC’s high standards win that permission.
There are concerns that the approval of plans for a pergola outside 131 The Promenade is being used again as justification for another development in Cheltenham’s historic town centre.
The Nook on Five have cited the development in their plans to create more of a ground floor presence so that customers know where they are.
The restaurant, which offers rooftop dining at The Quadrangle in Imperial Square, wants to put up a canopy at the main ground floor entrance.
Cheltenham Civic Society has no objection to the Nook on Five’s planning application for a ground-level entrance canopy.
They say it will have minimal impact on the setting of the Quadrangle – an unlisted building – or on Imperial Gardens.
But they are concerned it is the second application to Cheltenham Borough Council in recent months which refers to the controversial decision for the pergola at 131 as justification.
The group warned at the time that plans were approved for Julian Dunkerton’s luxury boutique hotel and restaurant that it would be used by others to justify all manner of developments in the Regency town.
It has since been used by the Cheltenham Trust to support their plans for a cafe at Pittville Pump Room and now it is being used in Imperial Square.
A Cheltenham Civic Society spokesperson said: “We are concerned that this is now the second application in recent months affecting the Central Conservation area where the applicant has used the unfortunate decision of the council to grant planning permission for a new structure in front of 127-133 Promenade (‘131 Promenade’) as a justification.
“Before the 131 applications were considered in February, we pointed out that any planning decision in favour would set a precedent that would be cited by others to justify all manner of structures in front of buildings, whether listed or not.
“We are sad to have been proved correct – for the second time now.
“In May, the Cheltenham Trust sought permission for a temporary catering facility outside the Grade I Pittville Pump Room, arguing that this application – not yet determined – was justified by reference to the 131 Promenade permission given just a few months before.
“This second application cites the same precedent set by Cheltenham’s planners back in February and just goes to show how that regrettable decision will no doubt continue to be both used and abused again and again.”
Cheltenham Borough Council says planning applications are considered on their own merits.
Tracey Birkinshaw, director of planning at Borough Council, said: “Each application received by the council is considered upon its merits and this includes careful consideration of comments submitted by residents, interest groups such as the Cheltenham Civic Society and other stakeholders.
“In making the decision on 131 Promenade, planning committee took into account the views represented as clearly set out in the officer report.
“The application for the erection of a canopy at The Nook is currently subject to consultation and comments on the application are welcomed.”
By Carmelo Garcia, local democracy reporter for Gloucestershire. carmelo.garcia@reachplc.com