Objections to new wine and tapas bar in Longton force a rethink

The man behind a proposed wine and tapas bar in Longton has made drastic alterations to his plans after a raft of objections from neighbours.
The empty Longton shop which could become a wine and tapas bar.The empty Longton shop which could become a wine and tapas bar.
The empty Longton shop which could become a wine and tapas bar.

Tony Brocklebank has bowed to pressure from businesses and residents opposed to his idea for a “relaxed” drinking establishment in a vacant shop on Liverpool Road.

He has withdrawn his application before South Ribble’s planning committee and vowed to make amendments in an effort to appease the locals.

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A dozen complaints, including three from nearby licensed premises, were lodged voicing concerns over noise, food odours, anti-social behaviour, parking, highway safety and invasion of privacy for residents living next door. The council’s environmental health department also objected.

In response Mr Brocklebank has agreed to reduce closing time to 9pm through the week and 10pm on Fridays and Saturdays instead of midnight seven days a week.

He says he will also dropped hot food from the menu and amend plans for an outdoor seating area.

“We realise that our original application has created the impression we wanted to open a late night venue,” he said.

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“We didn’t. We had included the late opening hours to give us some flexibility.”

He explained he was revising his plans “in order to try and allay some concerns.”

The original plan was for a “quieter, comfortable environment where couples and friends can relax and chat.” Mr Brocklebank said the bar was not intended as competition for existing businesses.

He said he wanted to create a beer, wine and tapas bar which was “a very different offering to other establishments in the area.

"Similar establishments in other areas, like Penwortham, have proved very successful. In this respect Longton has been slow to catch up.”

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