Petition launched to reverse Council's decision to block Hucknall bar from having outdoor seating this summer

A petition has been launched to attempt to reverse a planning decision that will prevent a Hucknall bar from having outdoor seating for its customers this summer.

Door 57 Lounge and Bar on Nabbs Lane in Hucknall applied for permission to have a small outdoor seating area for its customers this summer. For the last three years, this request has been approved by Ashfield District Council but this year the decision has been made to decline the application.

Concerned by the impact this will have on the independent business, owner Brian Willows began the petition on popular website change.org, writing: "Without the reversal of this decision and parity with a neighbouring business, our patrons will be left without an option if they want to enjoy the summer sun."

The petition has already amassed nearly 700 signatures and the next target is to pass the 1000 signature milestone.  

Ian Brough, who is friends with Mr Willows, drinks in the bar and champions local businesses in Hucknall thinks the decision is incredibly unfair and has pushed the petition on social media.

Speaking exclusively to Hucknall Nub News, he said: "I couldn't believe it. Brian runs that bar so well and he's quite strict about noise and people's behaviour. I know well that he's very conscious about neighbours. It's a quality boozer. Not having the outdoor seating area is potentially going to restrict him and that could see the end of yet another small business that's been heavily invested into which I think's a damn shame and a right royal rip off by the Council if you ask me. It just doesn't make any sense and seems wholly unfair."

Of the decision, a spokesperson for Ashfield District Council said: "The economic and social benefits of the proposal for the business owner and local patrons are acknowledged, and whilst the Council is keen to support businesses where it can, within the planning balance, the impact upon the amenity of nearby residential properties is considered to outweigh the benefits of the proposal in this instance.

"As such, after assessing all the submitted information and assessing this against all relevant policies and material planning considerations a refusal of planning permission is recommended for this application. The applicant is allowed to appeal, and they have another application pending."

Anyone wishing to sign the petition can do so by clicking here.