Change of use to restaurant approved

Plans for a change of use from a retail unit and private members club to a restaurant at No 48, St. Owen Street, Hereford, have been approved by members of the central area planning sub-committee at their meeting on Wednesday, November 21.

Number 48 St Owen Street is a two storey 17th century grade II listed building with a two storey 19th century extension at the rear. They were formerly used as a retail unit and private members club but both of the units have recently been vacated.

The site lies within the Hereford city conservation area and permission was sought to change the use of the existing ground floor retail unit and first floor members club into a restaurant.

Sixteen letters of objection were received concerned at environmental disturbance, noise nuisance, late-night anti-social behaviour and lack of parking facilities.

Support in principle was expressed in two letters from The Castle Street and District Resident's Association and a resident in Cantilupe Street, subject to safeguarding the residential amenity of the area.

Hereford City Council raised no objection.

Herefordshire Council's environmental health manager did not object to the scheme but felt conditions regarding ventilation and noise insulation could be improved.

Planning permission was approved subject to conditions.