Hounslow Planning Committee say Yes to Sam Harrison's plan

Barley Mow Passage is to be part-pedestrianised following a long campaign by Sam Harrison of Sam's Brasserie and Bar. The restaurant hopes it might start this summer and a spokesperson said they were delighted with the news.

Councillors at last nights (Feb 27) Hounslow Planning Committee voted in favour of the proposal. There was opposition from two local residents who had led a campaign against the project on the grounds of noise, pollution, and safety concerns for emergency access.

A statement from the restaurant said:

"We are all delighted that Sam’s Brasserie has been granted planning permission for outside seating in Barley Mow Passage. It will enhance the neighbourhood and bring life to an otherwise dreary alleyway!We are working on the plan with the Council and very much hope that it will be ready for the summer. – A great way to celebrate our tenth anniversary in Chiswick."

The matter first arose in 2012 when Sam Harrison suggested it would help business for the restaurant and would also introduce a Continental feel to the area.

The issue became 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.

The permission was sought for enough table space for twenty-four covers 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.

Sam Harrison

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. There were two speakers against the proposal at the Planning Committee meeting.

A decision had been taken by local councillors at the last meeting of the Chiswick Area Forum to refer the matter for decision to the Planning Committee.

February 27, 2015