Caffe Nero Planning Application refused.
We had a marathon session of the Dulwich Community Council this evening. I always enjoy these sessions and I am very proud that the Liberal Democrats have ensured that planning decisions are made locally by councillors who know the area and issues involved. Bizzarely it is still the position of Labour councillors that all planning decisions should be made by a central planning committee in Peckham.
Anyway, an application was heard for a change of use for the site occupied by Caffe Nero on Lordship Lane. They currently occupty the site anyway but they are in breach of planning rules because it should be a shop (A1 use) rather than a cafe (A3 use).
Southwark’s new planning policies are clear that we should not allow the number of shops, (as opposed to other uses like offices and restaurants) to drop below 50% in a parade of shops. The planning officer gave clear advice that the result of this application would have that effect and in the view of the committee that would effect the position of Lordship Lane as a vibrant trading area.
I very much doubt that will be the end of the matter; as Caffe Nero are already trading they will be sure to appeal the decision. But I am convinced the right decision was made.
Andrew Porrer said,
March 2, 2007 @ 9:05 am
Apparently it’s a pattern of behavior for Cafe Nero. They just open up in breach of planning laws (and make alterations if needed) and start trading and then apply retrospectively when the council takes action.
this happened last year in Hertford:
http://www.hertford.net/yoursay1/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=941
Gena said,
March 2, 2007 @ 3:47 pm
While I understand that Cafe Nero should have applied for Planning Permission before they opened I think it is a pity they were refused and hope they win any appeal. The cafe always seems to be full and seems to be increasing the number of people coming to the area so the argument that it would effect the position of Lordship Lane as a vibrant trading area seems strange.
John Heyderman said,
March 4, 2007 @ 8:02 pm
The Dulwich Community Council did exactly the right thing here. East Dulwich was well served already with excellent cafes, coffee shop and bars each of them with their own individual style adding to the character and charm of East Dulwich.
On the other hand, I would like to know what gives a big corporation the right to assume that local democracy doesn’t apply to them. If they go ahead and set up without going through the legal processes, then they should be fined heavily and forced to close without notice.
Unfortunately, when it comes to corporate “ethics”, might equals right.
Mark Collins said,
March 29, 2007 @ 12:48 pm
How come four weeks later they’re still trading?
cllrrthomas said,
April 3, 2007 @ 5:41 pm
Mark
Because that is not the end of the matter.They now have a right of appeal against the planning decision and until that process is exhausted no enforcement action can be taken. It’s frustrating but I didn’t write the rules either!
richard
East (of Dulwich) said,
April 6, 2007 @ 7:58 am
Following little Barnet’s victory against the might of the world’s fifth largest retailer (Tescos), might Southwark be tough enough to stand up to the Caffia?
Story at http://www.24dash.com/localgovernment/18784.htm
jamie said,
April 30, 2007 @ 10:57 am
I’ve started a group to help people protest against these kind of bullying tactics on facebook.
http://www.facebook.com/topic.php?uid=2234158230&topic=2597
Good work Cllr Thomas. I’m very grateful for the principled stance you’ve taken. Not many councils or councillors would be as brave.
Hudsucker said,
July 19, 2007 @ 8:13 pm
I have to say I have used Nero often as I have a serious coffee addiction, and it is about the best coffee in London, although service tends to be a bit f***witted.
I digress. Just wanted to offer support for your decision. Planning rules should be adhered to by those at the top of the corporate food chain. Although I do think Nero’s presence helps rather than harms the vibrancy of the area, (it certainly soaks up a fair bit of pram traffic) but I also understand that if large companies think they can outmuscle local democracy, it spells the end for any area resisting high street homogeneity.
East Dulwich is a special place, largely thanks to ecclectic local businesses. Your decision allows them, in one aspect at least, to play on a level playing field with the big boys. Thank you.
Tim H said,
August 17, 2007 @ 10:58 am
Have been a few times and if it wasnt for Cafe Nero wouldnt have passed through again, where are the other good coffee houses we didnt find them!
Ioana Parry said,
August 17, 2007 @ 1:57 pm
This can’t be true! i leave in east dulwich and i really love the nero there. please do not close it. we need a lovely coffee shop like this next to us.
have you tried their frapuccinos?
they are fantastic!