A retrospective application for extra outdoor seating at a Kendal pub has been submitted to the council.
The extra space for tables has been created by reducing the size of the car park at JD Wetherspoon’s The Miles Thompson to 17 spaces from 25.
The seating area at the Allhallows Lane pub was an addition to the pre-existing beer garden and was introduced as part of COVID-related measures.
A planning statement from Harrison Ince Architects in support of the application to South Lakeland District Council, says the size of the external seating area had been significantly reduced from a previous proposal to, in part, decrease the noise audible to occupants of adjacent residential and visitor accommodation.
The additional area currently contains 29 tables, seating an estimated 116 people.
The planning statement said the area would be open to customers between 9am and 8pm each day.
It said two disabled parking spaces lost to the seating area were to be repositioned, although this had not yet been done.
An objection to the application has been submitted by Debbie Copley, of Beast Banks.
“I do not think it is necessary at all. The existing outdoor seating is quite substantial,” she says.
“At present, I cannot see the established seating from my house and garden. I can, however, see and hear the temporary seating that was allowed during Covid restrictions.
“I object to this becoming a permanent feature on the grounds that this will be disturbing to neighbouring residential properties within a conservation area.
“There is a potential for increased noise pollution, light pollution and generally being unsightly and unnecessary.”
Both full and listed planning permission are being sought for the seating area. The pub is Grade II listed.
The planning statement said that ample planting was to be incorporated in the scheme in order to meet the local planning authority’s preference of softening the area.
It said the additional seating space would help sustain the existing business and ensure the listed building remained in beneficial use.
