Proposal goes forward to Hounslow Planning Committee

The proposal for a part pedestrianisation of Barley Mow Passage, which is spearheaded by Sam Harrison, will go before the Hounslow Planning Committee.

Councillors voted at the Chiswick Area Committee (Tuesday Jan 20) against having the matter decided by officers under delegated authority.

The proposal first arose in 2012 when Sam Harrison requested the Council allow part-pedestrianisation of an area in the Barley Mow passage outside his restaurant, Sam's Brasserie and Bar.

The issue became somewhat controversial when some local residents opposed it on the grounds that they would be affected by noise from outside dining. They also claimed it raised a number of safety issues, such as access for emergency vehicles.

Two petitions were then drawn up on the proposal - one (by Sam) in favour and the other (by nearby residents) against the idea.

Sam Harrison had claimed pedestrianisation would be good for local business and would introduce a continental feel to the area. He sought permission for enough table space for twenty-four covers. The pedestrianisation was sought for six months of the year, from April to September.

Hounslow Council officials recommended the scheme be approved as there had been no objections from Hounslow Highways, or Hounslow’s traffic department. They said the outside seating would be temporary and would restrict only vehicular access for 4 hours on week day evenings and from 10.00- 22.00 on Saturdays and Sundays. The restaurant had promised the seating area would be cleared by 10pm every day and would not give rise to late night antisocial behaviour.

A representative for Sam Harrison told the CAF on Tuesday that all the key outline issues had been fully discussed in 2012 and the picture had not changed since then. They would like the decision made under delegated authority.

Sam Harrison

Cllr Adrian Lee asked what would happen if the Barley Mow pub decided at a later date that it would like to avail of the pedestrianisation to have outside tables. Cllr Robert Oulds said the noise issue was relevant and Cllr Samantha Davies said that it should go before a Full Planning Committee because it would not be fair not to allow local residents a full democratic discussion, instead of it being behind closed doors. Cllr John Todd recalled there had been "a robust discussion" at the time, while Cllr Paul Lynch was in favour of the scheme.

A resident who said she represented eight people from 269-253 CHR said that they remained opposed to the proposal to introduce pedestrianisation on grounds of noise pollution and also for safety reasons.

Cllr Paul Lynch proposed the matter come under delegated authority decision but there was no seconder. Cllr Davies proposed it go before the Planning Committee, seconded by Cllr Oulds.

The vote was five in favour of the motion ( that it be referred to PC), with one vote against the motion and one abstention.

January 22, 2015