Suzie’s restaurant in Churchtown in Southport will learn this evening (Wednesday, 1st July 2026) whether it will be allowed to keep its terraced area.
The issue will be determined by councillors at Sefton Council’s Planning Committee meeting at Bootle Town Hall from 6.30pm.
Some late representations have been submitted to the Committee to help make their decision.
Information includes an online petition in support of the terrace at Suzie’s which has been signed by over 3,000 people.
Their comments include:
- The business is in character and appearance of Churchtown village contributes to unique identity
- Good to see local business investing and bringing a neglected building back into positive use
- Attracts visitors to Churchtown which benefits other businesses / vitality of village
- Awning is tastefully designed, sympathetic to surroundings does not appear intrusive or out of character in conservation area
- Clientele have been respectful to local residents and neighbouring properties
An email of objection has been received from a property in the area claiming:
- Glazed structure has greatly increased seating / number of clients and is main area for eating year-round in space originally for outdoor seating Increase in traffic and parking issues
- Increase in deliveries etc. much more regular, noisy in early morning and dangerous parking on double yellow lines
- Glass and material roof is not soundproofed noise and music can be heard outside building and in primary living spaces even when windows closed
- Business has now applied to be allowed music to ‘complement the dining experience’ with tribute acts, recorded music / private parties / DJ with decks make the venue much more than a restaurant
In their report, Sefton Council’s Planning team said: “The matters raised both in support of and against the application have been addressed in the main officer report.
“Whilst a petition in support of the application has been received, this petition has been received outside of the notification period and is not endorsed. As such, it has been treated as a comment to the application.”
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 3,000 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 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.
“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.”
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