Permission to open late at night has been granted to another premises on Churchill Way in Cardiff's new 'Canal Quarter' despite objections from residents. The street is already home to Pulse nightclub and late-night bar The Kings, with the new Dock Feeder bar expected to open "very soon."
An application for The Sandwich Bar, a restaurant and café next door to Pulse, to remain open for 24 hours was made in April 2023. The restaurant doesn't serve alcohol but the application still quickly received objections. Some were from residents who appeared to think the application related to Pulse's alcohol license, which it does not.
But one from Councillor Norma Mackie said: "We believe this premises is owned by the chain of five premises on Churchill Way that includes the Pulse Night Club and we strongly object to the removal of Condition 3 to allow the premises to be open for 24 hours.
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"We receive numerous complaints already about the chain of premises which include, the blocking of pavements, the fencing off of the pavement, noise and antisocial behaviour and concerns for safety of the public.
"We have concerns that if this condition was removed there would be further noise and antisocial behaviour in the early morning, disturbing the residents near by at Landmark and the Premier Inn as well as flats across the road. Allowing 24 hour opening at this venue will encourage people under the influence of alcohol to stay longer in the area creating even more work for the police in this area."
Graham Winter, director of the Landmark Place management company, added: "There is already genuine concern amongst our residents that the residential status of Landmark Place is latterly being all-but ignored... It is collectively felt that any extended opening of such a premises would inevitably lead to an increase in late night footfall and early hour activity."
He said the area already suffered from "frequent instances of anti-social behaviour and routine nocturnal disturbances" from bars and clubs, adding: "We can regrettably envisage no particular benefit from such extended opening hours of a sandwich bar in such close proximity to our own residential development."
The request for 24-hour opening was soon dropped but was revised, with permission instead sought for The Sandwich Bar to open until 1am on Sundays to Thursdays, and 3.30am on Fridays, Saturdays and bank holidays, meaning it would not be open when Pulse closes at either 5am or 6am.
Councillors Norma Mackie, Sarah Merry and Christopher Weaver still objected to this. Planning permission for these opening times was granted on Friday, June 30, 2023.
When plans were submitted for the building (formally the Scope charity shop) to be turned into a restaurant, a statement on behalf of 7 Churchill Way Ltd read: "This part of the city centre is currently in need of major investment as nearby Queen Street and the Capital Centre are becoming extremely run down with many vacant units and several short term lets.
"New investment in premises is therefore to be welcomed and supports the Councils long term proposals to re-open the canal along Churchill Way. This would lead to a more vibrant atmosphere which will provide a much needed boost to an area which is currently somewhat bland and unwelcoming."
Permission for the change of use to a café was initially granted in April 2021 on the grounds that members of the public could only be on the premises between 7am and 11pm "to ensure that the amenities of other premises in the vicinity are protected."
