Lounger UK’s café bar plans in Haverhill to go before West Suffolk Council leaders for decision
A national chain's plans to open a new café bar in a town are set to go before leaders for a decision.
Loungers UK Limited's licence application for a new food-led café bar in 1-5 High Street, Haverhill, is set to be decided by members of West Suffolk's licensing and regulatory sub-committee on Monday, April 28.
The company, operating similar sites in Bury St Edmunds, Newmarket and Sudbury, would occupy the former Argos building, which has stood empty since 2018 when the retailer relocated.
Loungers UK is looking to sell alcohol on and off the premises Monday to Sunday between 10am and midnight, as well as late refreshment on the same days between 11pm and 12.30am.
Though the plans have been supported by Haverhill Town Council during a meeting last month as a great addition to the high street and a jobs boost of around 40 new positions, some friction has come from the proposed outdoor seating arrangements.
The company is looking to include outdoor seating not only directly outside the premises, which West Suffolk Council has already granted, but also across the road on the market square.
The council's estates surveyor said the authority, as the landlord, did not oppose seating on the market square provided conditions were met, including not having seating at all on market days between 4am and 5pm.
The application received four representations, two in favour and two against, all weighing in on how outdoor seating should be arranged.
Cllr John Burns, who said he welcomed the premises, objected to the use of the market square, raising concerns non-customers could bring and consume their own alcohol, leading to antisocial behaviour.
He added the square was readily accessible for unauthorised moving vehicles, which could put customers at risk, and the closing hours past 11pm could lead to neighbours being disturbed.
By contrast, Cllr Aaron Luccarini, who wrote in support, said the conditions being proposed were enough and higlighted the outside seating area within the market square would 'significantly benefit' the town centre.
To address concerns, West Suffolk Council's licensing team has recommended a range of conditions regarding the market hill area to be discussed during the licensing meeting.
Among the 19 conditions are the restriction of the seating to Sunday to Thursday between 8am and 4.30pm, no longer being able to use the area if the authority's consent is rescinded, and a 24-hour council notice to remove the seating for events.
