A decision will be made next week over whether Suzie’s restaurant in Churchtown in Southport is allowed to keep its terraced area – or has to remove it.
The issue will be debated by councillors at Sefton Council’s Planning Committee meeting at Bootle Town Hall from 6.30pm next Wednesday (1st July 2026).
Sefton Council’s Planning officers are recommending councillors to refuse permission.
In their report, they said: “This is a full application (part retrospective) for a single storey extension to the front (Cambridge Road) and side (Manor Road) elevations with ramp access from the corner of the site.
“The application is alternative to a recent application for similar development which was refused in March 2026 and which is the subject of a live appeal.
“The key issues relate to the impact on the living conditions of neighbouring properties, the character and appearance of the Churchtown Conservation Area and highway safety.
“ It is considered for reasons within this report that the development creates a harmful impact on the living conditions of neighbouring properties and neither preserves or enhances the character and appearance of the Churchtown Conservation Area. The development is contrary to the Seton Local Plan.”
The issue has been called in for debate by Meols Ward councillor Gareth Lloyd-Johnson.
Over 2,700 people have signed a petition to save the terraced area at Suzie’s restaurant.
The busy venue, which boasts the logo ‘Eat; Sip; Bloom’, opened on the site of the former Boxtree Cafe / Nursery on the corner of Cambridge Road and Manor Road in November last year, transforming a site which had been vacant for several months.
They have now launched a petition to ‘Help Us Save Our Terrace’: Petition · Save our terrace in Churchtown village – Southport, United Kingdom · Change.org
Suzie’s opened with planning permission for the terrace awning under consideration by Sefton Council.
The application has since been refused, with the Suzie’s owners now lodging an appeal to the Planning Inspectorate in a bid to keep it.
They said: “Our terrace has become a much-loved part of Churchtown Village.
“We’re currently appealing a planning decision, in which the council have asked us to remove our terrace awning. We would be incredibly grateful for your support. If you’ve enjoyed spending time on our terrace, we’d love it if you could take a moment to sign our petition.
“Every signature makes a difference.
“Our outdoor terrace in Churchtown village has become an invaluable space for the community, and its potential demise is concerning for us.
“In the past few months, we have invested a significant amount of money, time, and effort into building and maintaining this beautiful open space. It has transformed into a beloved spot where residents, families, and visitors gather, relax, and enjoy the unique charm of our village.
“Beyond its aesthetic value, the terrace plays a crucial role in promoting community bonding and social interaction, elements that are essential for a thriving neighbourhood.
“It serves as a hub for community events, celebrations, and everyday connections, making a profound impact on local spirit and togetherness.
“Churchtown’s economy, too, benefits as local businesses around the terrace experience increased foot traffic and patronage, thereby supporting local entrepreneurship and growth.
“The council’s decision to refuse this terrace not only disregards the community’s investment and connection with the space, but it also threatens the essence of what makes Churchtown so special. We believe that by preserving this terrace, we can continue to enhance the village’s vibrancy while fostering a sense of pride and preservation among its residents.”
In their report, Sefton Council’s Planning team said: “The site has been in commercial use for over 30 years, originally as a garden centre which added an ancillary tearoom and as a gift shop / ceramic café, with the use of the site as a standalone café being confirmed by application in August 2015.
“Permission was given in 2024 for a single storey extension to the side fronting Manor Road with the outdoor area between the extension and Manor Road proposed to be used as outdoor seating.
“The side extension as constructed creates extended dining area and associated staff facilities and storage, aligns with the side boundary with Manor Road and the rear boundary with 1 Manor Road and entirely covers the outdoor space to the west of the site with an attached/covered storage area extending to the boundary with 1 Manor Road.
“The Environmental Health Manager has raised no objection to the proposal, however the extension increases the floorspace of the site by nearly double over that approved in 2024 and as a result also increases the number of ‘covers’ that can be accommodated.
“While the 2024 permission also gave potential for outdoor seating the use of this area was restricted until 10pm and would also have been restricted by weather conditions so reducing the potential number of clients to the premises throughout the year.
“Concerns have been raised by local residents in relation to additional noise and disturbance being created because of the extension and additional on street parking created by visitors to the restaurant.
“The covered and permanent nature of the extension provides opportunity for use by a significantly increased number of clients all year round regardless of weather conditions as acknowledged in the accompanying Planning & Heritage Statement accompanying the application.
“This together with the increased opening hours is considered to create a more intensive use of the site particularly in relation to noise and disturbance from increased comings and goings, on street parking and deliveries to the detriment of the living conditions of neighbouring properties in this residential area.”
Do you have a story for Stand Up For Southport? Do you need advertising, PR or media support? Please message Andrew Brown or email: [email protected]
