Proposals for a new licensed bar and cafe to replace a former restaurant in Birkdale Village in Southport have won planning permission.
Platform will now be able to open in the former Bombay Blussi premises at 45-27 Weld Road, after Sefton Council’s Planning department approved the plans.
The new venture will see the creation of eight new jobs (five full time and three part time) as well as a new addition to the vibrant Village.
The planning application was submitted by VIP Birkdale LTD, seeking a change of use from a restaurant to a licensed bar and cafe.
The venture would use both the ground floor and first floor of 45/47 Weld Road along with additional outside seating.
Previous tenants ‘Bombay Blussi’ used the space as a restaurant on the top floor and a small bar on the lower level area to welcome customers with additional seating outside.
The proposed opening hours would be 7am – 1pm Monday to Saturday and 9am-11pm on Sundays and bank holidays.
The application said: “The bar will stay open later however the site is located in the heart of Birkdale Village, surrounded by other bars and restaurants.
“As the space was already providing food and drink in its former use, the impact on the local amenity will not be harmful and will not result in unacceptable groupings of similar uses.
“The proposal improves the view of the site from Weld Road through the use of planters, benches and timber fencing.
“Planters will provide the street trees for green views of the site and increase the green views within the conservation area.
“The unmaintained rear of the building will be improved by the proposed site plans, improving the characteristics of the local area.
“The materiality of the site has been used to inform the materiality and style of the proposed new elements of the building such as timber planters, wooden tables and chairs.
“No extensions have been proposed to the building to ensure it retains its character.
“Internal alterations and the addition of benches and planters have all been designed to ensure they are in keeping with the aesthetic of the local conservation area.”
A Sefton Council report said: “The use of the ground and first-floor as a bar / cafe is appropriate for this Local Centre location and will add to its viability and vitality and will not, as confirmed by the Council’s conservation officers, give rise to any detrimental impacts to the character and appearance of the Birkdale Village Conservation Area.”
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