PLANNING bosses at Warrington are to make a second attempt to reach a decision on proposals for a new shop front at a bistro restaurant.
Members of the borough council’s development control committee have visited the premises in London Road, Stockton Heath since they first considered the proposals.
Le Pierre Bistro has won much praise for its food since it took over the premises of the former Loch Fyne fish restaurant – but fell foul of planning regulations when it installed a new shop front without first getting planning permission.
The firm submitted a retrospective application but planning officers were not happy with the changes which, they claimed, were not sympathetic to the Grade 2 listed Victoria Building in which the restaurant is situated
They recommended the application be refused – meaning the fascia would have to be changed again – but committee members decided they would visit the site before making a decision.
Officers are still recommending refusal but the committee will make the final decision.
The conservation officer who looked at the plans raised concerns about a timber shop front being fitted over the existing brick façade and how the restaurant signage obscured architectural detailing fundamental to the building’s character.
Officers argue that the new shop front has a detrimental impact on the character and appearance of the building and the Stockton Heath Conservation area.
They say the restaurant has been more concerned with meeting its parent company’s corporate style than fitting in with the historic building.
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For the last time…… The building is NOT a Grade II Listed Building….. and neither was the original building as the OLD building was only ever ‘locally listed’ hence the reason that the new development was allowed in the first place.