Agenda item

To consider a planning application for the change of the first floor to a pop-up events space to be used for monthly markets, wedding receptions, conferences and other special events. Installation of new staircase and three new entrances from Liddel Street.  Construction of food stations and a bar on the first floor as well as installation of a new ventilation system with 2no vertical discharge cowls located on the roof. Construction of new toilets to accommodate the uplift in the capacity to 450 people. New windows installed at the rear of the building, overlooking the River Tyne.

The Committee gave consideration to a report of the planning officer in relation to an application for change of use of the first floor to a pop-up events space to be used for monthly markets, wedding receptions, conferences and other special events. Installation of new staircase and three new entrances from Liddel Street.  Construction of food stations and a bar on the first floor as well as installation of a new ventilation system with 1no discharge cowl. Construction of new toilets to accommodate the uplift in the capacity to 450 people. New windows installed at the rear of the building, overlooking the River Tyne. An addendum to the report had been circulated to the members of the Committee prior to the meeting.

A planning officer presented details of the application with the aid of various maps, plans and photographs.

In accordance with the Committee’s speaking rights scheme Mr Rob Spence of 3 Riverside Quays, North Shields was granted permission to speak to the Committee. As Mr Spence was unable to attend Mr Glen Foster submitted a written statement on his behalf. The statement expressed the concerns of residents living in Riverside Quays regarding the proposed development of an events, food and drink venue for up to 450 people operational until 11.00pm. Reference was made to the likely impact of the development in terms of noise disturbance caused by patrons in a residential area, car parking congestion and the cumulative effect of another licensed premises on the Fish Quay.

Mr Jim Mawdsley and Mr Nick Kemp on behalf of the applicants, Blue Pidgeon Ltd, were permitted to address the Committee to respond to Mr Spence’s statement.  Mr Kemp stated that the venue would not be operated as a nightclub but a pop up events space to be used for monthly markets, wedding receptions, conferences and other special events. The business would be developed over a phased approach, initially focussing on monthly street food and craft beer markets. The applicants had worked with officers to reach a sensible and reasonable compromise regarding the proposed operation and opening hours of the venue. Mr Kemp asked that the Committee give consideration to extending the period during which live and amplified music could be played from 22:00hrs as recommended by the Environmental Health Officer to 22:30hrs.  

Members of the Committee asked questions of Mr Mawdsley, Mr Kemp and officers and made comments. In doing so the Committee gave particular consideration to:

a)    car parking provision in the area surrounding the venue;

b)    the nature and scope of events to be hosted at the venue;

c)    the proposed conditions to safeguard the amenity of neighbouring residents from noise associated with the operation of the premises;

d)    the location of neigbouring residential properties in relation to the Cosalt Building;

e)    the number of licensed premises in the Fish Quay area and their opening hours.

Following questioning it was agreed that if the Committee were minded to grant the application, the permission be granted subject to condition No. 16 being amended so that live and amplified music could be played until 22:30hrs.

Resolved that the application be permitted, subject to the conditions set out in the planning officer’s report and the addendum, as amended by the Committee and described above, as the development was considered to be acceptable in terms of the principal of development, its impact on the character and appearance of the conservation area, the amenity of surrounding occupiers and highway safety in accordance with the relevant policies contained in the National Planning Policy Framework and the Local Plan 2017.