A NEW café and bar is coming to the heart of Wimborne following a premises licence hearing which saw concerned residents debate with business operators.
Representatives from national operator Loungers UK sat opposite objecting residents at a Dorset Council licensing sub-committee hearing on September 30 at which £1million plans for the former TSB site in the Square were discussed.
Loungers will transform the site into Piazzo Lounge, a family friendly two-floor food-led cafe and bar with front and rear outside seating areas.
Separate planning and licensing applications were submitted for the premises, which is a Grade II listed building.
Robert Botkai, solicitor for Loungers, said the group was “particularly excited to bring this listed building back to life” – adding to its portfolio of 172 similar sites across the UK.
However, three residents living in close proximity to a proposed rear garden attended the hearing to object, citing noise and disturbance fears.
Nearby resident Andrew Kelly asked that the rear garden facility cease operation at 6pm to prevent late disturbances to neighbouring properties, a suggestion described as unrealistic by Mr Botkai who said the rear garden offering was a “critical” part of the business.
In turn, Mr Kelly said: “The whole nature of Wimborne on a Friday or Saturday night changes at about 7pm. It is full of people wandering from pub to pub.
“The level of noise will inevitably rise. There is a real impact on people who are living directly overlooking this space.”
Addressing concerns, Loungers had previously agreed to reduce its alcohol serving hours and stressed the outdoor seating area would close at 10pm.
Mr Botkai added the business was unlikely to be affected by trade from the nearby Wetherspoons pub, The Man in the Wall, as a result of this.
He said: “The nature of the operation will not disturb residents. We ask to be given the opportunity. The risk is ours.”
Resident Robert Rodway, however, said: “Your comment about the risk is yours, I understand exactly where you’re coming from. But I am going to be a little bit blunt, it’s just a business, this is a risk to my home. There’s quite a difference in that.
“I’ve got no problem at all with Loungers taking on this building, it’s a great idea. So this is not an issue with the applicants, it is simply the rear garden.”
Written responses were also provided by residents, one of whom was in favour of the plans. Jackie Trowbridge said: “I think we need this in Wimborne as young people need it. Old people (like myself) will be in bed so how could it annoy them? The Square is the place go meet and sit.”
Shortly after the hearing, permission was granted for premises licence. Separate planning applications for the site are still being considered.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel