New World Trading Company has applied to create a new dining area on the pavement outside the front of The Botanist on London Road.
The proposal is to create two small raised decked areas on either side of the doorway to the unit. Permission is also being sought to install bi-folding doors on one side and sliding sash windows on the other.
The decking will be placed on the pavement area and be constructed in reclaimed timber, to pick up on the internal theme of the bar. It will be enclosed by decorative railings and each area of decking will accommodate two tables, providing 18 covers in total.
Planning permission (reference 10/2181M) was previously granted, in 2010, for the introduction of an external dining area to provide 12 covers on the road frontage.
The applicant states "Whilst this planning application was never implemented, it indicates that the council were happy to accept the introduction of an external dining area on the frontage of this unit previously. As there have been no policy changes since this approval, the principle of an external dining area is still acceptable in this location."
Documentation submitted in support of this application states:
"Alderley Edge is a popular shopping and eating destination as well as being a vibrant local shopping centre. In designing the proposed 'alfresco' area, our clients are conscious that when weather permits people wish to enjoy drinks as well as a full lunchtime and evening menu outside. In particular and unique to Alderley Edge, people wish to be seen eating and drinking outside restaurants.
"The applicants now wish to introduce a small external dining area at the frontage to enable customers to sit at the front of the unit similar to those provided elsewhere along London Road. This will also act as an extra attraction to the customers particularly for shoppers. The modified window design will also allow for better natural ventilation."
The planning application can be viewed on the Cheshire East Council website by searching for reference 13/4982M. The deadline for submitting comments is 27th December 2013 and a decision is expected by 22nd January 2014.
Comments
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I take it this means people won't be able to smoke on the decking then. I've never understood how bars can open up the frontage then have people smoking,they may as well be sat inside.
As for a smoking shelter out back,it can't get used much looking at the state of the pavement in a morning.
The presence of a clearly delineated outside area will free up the still adequate footpath for the small number of passersby in the evenings.
And during the day there are rarely more than one or two people outside the restaurant.
Get involved you sour lot - it's good community fun if you only try it!
Get involved with what? Community fun..... seriously. I would say it was more a case of extra profit for the Botanist, no problem with that, it is a business afterall.
Just don't understand all this pavement grabbing.