Change of use from retail (Use Class A1) to cafe (Use Class A3) and external alterations including formation of terrace over existing boathouse, insertion of glass balustrade to side elevation, alterations to doors and fenestration including new windows and doors on the ground floor, west elevation and new external seating area for the café. (amended plans).

The Committee considered two applications (18/03325/FUL) and (18/03326/LBC) for planning permission for a proposed change of use from a retail use (Use Class A1) to a café use (Use Class A3) and associated internal and external alterations.

The Planning Officers presented the two reports and explained that two informatives should have been included as part of the recommendation to approve the applications:

·       to inform the applicant that in order to ensure food safety they would need to comply with relevant food hygiene regulations.  They will also need to be aware that the registration of the food business with Oxford City Council will be required prior to opening.

·       to advise the applicant of the concerns raised by Environmental Health Officers that the proposed kitchen may not be of a sufficient size to safely prepare food.

The Committee discussion centred on the proposed hours of operation and on the potential impact of the development on local residents. Planning Officers advised that such concerns could be addressed by a further condition on the planning permission to prohibit amplified music or live performances outside the café premises.

In reaching its decisions, the Committee considered all the information put before it.

After debate and on being proposed, seconded and put to the vote, the Committee agreed with the officer’s recommendation to approve the planning application.

The West Area Planning Committee resolved to:

1.     approve the application for the reasons given in the report and subject to the 10 required planning conditions set out in section 11 of the report and a further condition to prohibit amplified music and live performances outside the café premises and the 2 informatives referred to above and grant planning permission; and 

2.     delegate authority to the Acting Head of Planning Services to finalise the recommended conditions as set out in the report including such refinements, amendments, additions and/or deletions as the Acting Head of Planning Services considers reasonably necessary.