New Structure on Bedford Corner Causes Concern

No planning permission for covered eating area outside new cafe

The sudden appearance of a new structure on Bedford Corner on South Parade has caused consternation among some nearby businesses and residents who say they were not informed it was to be built.

The site where the Darcau cafe recently closed on South Parade, is to become Melody, a new cafe/ restaurant which promises all-year round outdoor dining.

The conservatory-style wooden structure with a glass roof, which has been erected outside the main entrance, has drawn mixed local reaction, with some saying they believe it is out of character in a conservation area, while others say it is a welcome addition to an area that needs to be revitalised.

The owner is Mohammad Zarzour, a Chiswick resident who also partly owns a restaurant in Mayfair. He intends to offer a range of dishes from breakfasts, to sandwiches and salads as well as hot food throughout the day and into the evening.

Mr. Zarzour had not applied to Ealing Council for planning permission for the 'gazebo' which is situated on a privately-owned patch of land outside the cafe. He says he is now in touch with the Council and 'is following their advice and instructions'. He says he hopes that Melody will revitalise the area and believes the outdoor structure, which will accommodate six tables of four, will come to be seen in a positive light. He plans to have it lit up at night and to fill it with plants to create an inviting ambiance which he says will be to the benefit of the community.

He said, "the positive feedback we have received from the locals is overwhelming and encouraging, despite there being a handful number of people who expressed a less positive point of view."

The 'gazebo' is on the space which used to be occupied by outdoor tables in the days of the former cafe. He has also paved the entire area and says access to pedestrians or those with wheelchairs or buggies is not impeded, and has in fact been improved.

Mr. Zarzour, " As a young entrepreneur who has always lived and worked in Chiswick, I shall welcome and do my best to accommodate all point of views, regardless of whether I agree with it a hundred percent or not. Our neighbours in Chiswick shall see nothing from myself and the rest of the melody team except love, harmony and care. And I truly hope that such minor issues do not escalate and disturb the harmony and the charming atmosphere of our locality. I have been in touch with the council and have been following their advice and recommendations."

The cafe is being completely refurbished and if all goes well, it will open early next week. Opening hours will be 7am to 9.30pm.

There is no alcohol licence currently in operation for the premises.

July 21, 2016