Havering (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Havering Council has refused retrospective planning permission for Lushi’s Lounge on Mawney Road, despite the venue already being open to the public.
A retrospective application to convert the drugstore into a “cafe, drinking establishment and lounge” was filed by Mr. Erjon Lushi in October of last year.
The development had already been finished, and the location at 3 Fairview Parade was being used as a cafe and lounge without obtaining planning permission, according to records from the Havering council.
Concerns about “noise, disturbance, and odour” that were judged “detrimental” to the living conditions of those in the vicinity led to the application’s rejection.
An officer report states that there were several objections to the application.
Concerns about “insufficient parking due to unapproved front extension” resulting in “increased car traffic and parking issues” were raised by one of the council members who objected.
He also noted
“noise disturbance reported by residents living in Olive Street and Mawney Road, as well as Marks Road”.
Furthermore, he asserted that the plans that were presented “do not reflect what is currently on the site”.
The “bulk of structure would have a negative impact on the street scene, and the projection would be detrimental to pedestrians,” according to Romford Civic Society, who also objected.
The officer report said:
“Site photographs of the application site as well as Google street view show that the site benefits from a front extension.
This is not shown on the submitted plans and was the subject of a separate planning application that was refused by the local planning authority (LPA) and is currently the subject of an appeal.
The fascia signs at the site were also the subject of a separate application that was refused by the LPA and is currently the subject of an appeal.”
Using the space “for smoking and shisha” was another concern brought up in a public protection officer’s objection from the Havering Council.
A council report said that Lushi’s Lounge
“generates a high level of activity and noise particularly at the weekends, in the summer months and late at night given its location within a parade that is not characterised by other drinking establishments but instead predominantly features retail uses”.
It added that noise from patrons entering and leaving the premises and the likelihood of patrons congregating outside on the footway” is likely to cause “additional noise and nuisance” for the residents upstairs.
Lushi’s Lounge did not respond to a request for a comment.
What is the impact of the opening of this lounge in Havering?
The plans’ rejection raises the possibility that Lushi’s Lounge did not adhere to the local government’s norms or procedures for planning.
This could include construction alterations, noise pollution problems, or other elements that affect the neighbourhood.
The venue has continued to operate in spite of the refusal. This could mean that the company was first permitted to begin under provisional or temporary agreements or that it moved forward without complete authorisation.
The plans’ rejection may be a result of locals’ worries about traffic, noise, or other effects on the neighbourhood.
Businesses in residential neighbourhoods are frequently scrutinised for their noise levels, operating hours, and general community impact.