Planning approval recommended for site at Barley Mow Passage

A new two storey restaurant at Barley Mow Passage looks set to get the go ahead. Council planners are recommending that the currently derelict site be given permission for development.

The site which is next to listed building Voysey House is just off the High Road and in front of the Barley Mow office complex.

It previously contained a cafe and sandwich bar. In 1998 an application to demolish the existing buildings at the site and construct a 2-storey restaurant was refused but allowed on appeal in February 1999. This planning permission has now expired.

Planning permission for a three storey office was refused in December 1999 but a 2-storey office did gain approval in 2001 but the plans were never implemented

It is now proposed to build a 2 storey restaurant with basement. The building would have a brick exterior, flat roof (with roof lights), and prominent glass panels from ground to roof level.

The entrance would be at Barley Mow Passage, with servicing in the rear alley. The building would contain seating accommodation at ground and first floor levels with a kitchen in the basement.

Concerns were expressed that deliveries to the restaurant could be disruptive to services at the adjacent Roman Catholic Church but these were dismissed by planners.

There is no indication as yet as to what kind of restaurant will open on the site. An agent is already advertising for tenants for the site.

Chiswick may be gaining a new restaurant but it may be losing one a long-standing favourite. The lease on Greek restaurant, Kleftiko, is currently being advertised 'with vacant possession' suggesting that its days may be numbered. The restaurant moved to its current location on the western end of the High Road having been bought out of its lease on the site now occupied by Caffe Uno.

August 25, 2004