Compromise over restaurant's harbourside benches

A harbourside bar and restaurant has been told it can have two benches outside its premises instead of three.

Neighbouring businesses complained the benches outside Balcony Bar And Kitchen in St Ives, Cornwall, were causing "chaos" with people blocking entrances, affecting trade and leaving litter.

David Fox, the venue's owner, told Cornwall Council the tables outside his business were an asset and the area was regularly cleaned by staff.

The council's Street Trading and Pavement Licensing Committee agreed to renew a licence for two of the benches as a proportionate compromise, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

Five people spoke against the continued licence for three benches at the meeting on Monday.

They said the benches caused access issues, were "impacting negatively" on their trade and were only 1.47m (5ft) away from the road rather than the regulatory 2m (6ft 6ins).

The objectors added some customers parked prams outside which restricted access to a gallery and raised concerns about children running between the tables not being seen by passing cars.

They also said one table had been placed in front of a moveable bollard and restaurant customers had to get up and move from their table sometimes so a neighbouring business could gain access to load and unload.

Responding to the concerns, Fox said he wished to maintain positive relations with neighbouring businesses and none of the issues had not been raised directly with him.

He said during major sporting events, including the World Cup, he had personally attended the premises to deal with incidents involving intoxicated people and inappropriate language.

He added staff regularly sweep and clear the surrounding area and extra staff were been employed during the summer months to manage the outdoor seating area.

Fox said he already reduced the number from five benches to three and thought it provided sufficient space on either side of the seating area, but it would be acceptable to remove another table.

Following deliberations, committee members said they felt allowing two benches would be workable and allow the removable bollard to be freed up for vehicle access.

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