Plans to extend a popular Leeds restaurant into an empty shop unit next door hangs in the balance after councillors and planners were split over the proposals.
Members on the west plans panel yesterday heard how Italian restaurant Salvo's - made famous last year after it appeared on Gordon Ramsey's F-Word television programme - wants to expand next door into an empty shop on the Otley Road parade and create an extra 22 covers. It's applied to change the use of the unit from retail to restaurant.
A report to councillors heard how planning officers were opposed to the plans on the grounds that it would contribute to the number of non-retail businesses in Headingley, a lack of off-street parking and highways safety issues. The proposal also contravenes council planning policy.
Widespread community support - including MP
But the meeting was told that the proposals had received the backing of a 240-signature petition and more than 50 letters of support, including one from Leeds North West MP Greg Mulholland. A large group of Salvo's supporters attended the Civic Hall meeting, applauding loudly every time someone spoke in favour of the application.
Liberal Democrat Weetwood councillor Ben Chastney said he supported the proposals and wasn't surprised at the level of community support for the restaurant. He added:
"I understand the concerns about parking, but we have a clear commitment from the restaurant to look at the issue."
Headingley Liberal Democrat Jamie Matthews said that Salvo's was a major asset to Headingley and that a town parking strategy to be revealed next week would hopefully free up parking in the area. He added:
"It is significant the number of people who have come forward to support this application. It is a community restaurant for local people and it's a no-brainer to support it."
Labour Pudsey councillor Mick Coulson said he supported it as the current economic cimate meant that the shop would be unlikely to be let for some time.
Conservative Harewood councillor Ann Castle said she didn't think the extension would create much extra traffic as there was often a number of people in the restaurant's bar waiting for tables, and that the extension would simply reduce that wait.
Planning agent for Salvo's, Richard Raper, told the meeting that the extension was a small-scale proposal and that more than half the restaurant's customers either come by foot or by bus. He said Salvo's was willing to have cycle hoops outside the restaurant and free up parking space currently used by staff. He added:
"We're a community restaurant used by local people. Salvo's anchors that parade and offers a lot to the prosperity of Headingley. We have been here for 34 years and we want to be here for another 34. If you support Salvo's then you support Headingley and if you support Salvo's you support Leeds!"
Decision 'based on reputation'
But Beeston Labour councillor David Congreve warned against taking a decision simply because it was Salvo's and spoke against the plans. He added:
"There's a danger we are making a decision based on Salvo's reputation and not on clear planning issues. We have a planning policy in place which this application contravenes and terrible problems with parking and traffic. I'm completely against it, even if it is an excellent restaurant."
Labour Hyde Park and Woodhouse councillor Javaid Akhtar and Labour Farnley and Wortley councillor John Hardy backed Congreve's stance.
Councillors agreed they wouldn't be able to take a decision at the meeting and agreed to defer the application until next month's meeting, where more details would be provided regarding parking arrangements and a travel plan for the restaurant.
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