A restaurant’s plan to improve its outdoor dining space was passed last night.
Wirral Council’s planning committee unanimously approved a proposal for an enclosure to the outdoor seating area at Broadway Steak and Wine in Bebington, with members keen to support the business as it emerges from the lockdown.
There were 20 letters of objection to the plan, relating to issues including noise and the “unsightly” nature of the canopy which was not seen to fit in with neighbouring businesses.
But planning documents show there were also 227 representations made in support of the proposal, with people wanting to help the business reopen safely.
Liberal Democrat councillor Stuart Kelly, who chairs the committee, supported the application.
He said the main issue for the objectors seemed to be the appearance of the canopy structure.
However, it would only be permitted for 12 months at which point a fresh application would have to be made if it were to remain.
Cllr Kelly said this helped persuade him to back the restaurant’s plan.
Labour councillor Steve Foulkes agreed, saying that although there were legitimate concerns, the pandemic had hit the hospitality sector and he did not want the committee to be a stumbling block to its revival.
Cllr Foulkes was clear that the proposal was good for the area.
Cllr Kathy Hodson, who represents the Conservatives, said she did not have a problem with the application.
The Tory councillor added that she had heard concerns raised relating to anti-social behaviour, but they could be dealt with through licensing and were not sufficient reasons to block the Bebington restaurant’s proposal.
Wirral Council's elections take place on May 6.
Candidates standing in Heswall:
- Barbara Burton (Green Party)
- Kathryn Hodson (Conservative Party)
- Giuseppe Roberto (Labour Party)
- Robert Thompson (Liberal Democrats)
- Ken Ferguson (Reform UK)
Candidates standing in Oxton:
- Judith Grier (Green Party)
- Paul Jobson (Labour Party)
- Stuart Kelly (Liberal Democrats)
- Philip Merry (Conservative Party)
- Philip Griffiths (Reform UK)
