Lancashire pub learns outcome of revamp bid that neighbours say would make their lives worse
A Blackburn bar and restaurant can replace its front decking and add two pergolas and a glass balustrade to the outdoor drinking area.
Daniel Thwaites PLC has been given planning permission for the changes to The Foundry in Livesey Branch Road despite objections from neighbours.
Nearby residents complained to Blackburn with Darwen Council over potential noise nuisance, overlooking from raised deck, traffic safety issue, parking on Livesey Branch Road and Langdale Road and the likelihood of increased numbers of customers using the revamped outdoor space late at night.
A planning officer’s report recommending approval with five conditions says: “The application site relates to an existing restaurant use building known as ‘The Foundry’ located on the southern side of Livesey Branch Road, Blackburn.
“Planning permission is sought for the replacement of existing raised deck to the front of the building including two pergolas.
“Concerns have been raised in public comments on residential amenity grounds.
“The site is an established restaurant/drinking establishment with an existing large front external seating area.
“The proposal involves the replacement of this decked area along with the erection of two pergolas.
“Public Protection have reviewed the merits of the application and offer no objections subject to the below two conditions being attached to any approval of the application: the external areas are not to be used for the purposes of consumption of alcohol and food after 22:00hrs each day and there are to be no speakers utilised in the external areas of the premises.
“The site is an already established restaurant/drinking establishment which has been altered over a number of years and now features brickwork and cladding externally on the building.
“The proposal involves the replacement of the existing timber deck with a composite timber deck.
“The replacement will be very marginally bigger and will feature a glass balustrade with new planting beds formed from timber sleepers along the elevation which fronts on to Livesey Branch Road.
“The replacement deck is considered to be an appropriate replacement which will be very similar to the existing.
“The two proposed pergolas will be constructed from powder coated metal with a fabric retractable cover, this type of structure is common at outdoor areas of eating and drinking establishments.
“The design will be subordinate to the existing colour/design of the building and is therefore considered to be acceptable.
“The proposed development is considered to be acceptable with reference to design and visual amenity.”