The efforts by Roots restaurant in Upminster to expand into a vacant flat were rejected by Havering Council, emphasizing the community's need for residential housing. The restaurant's application proposed an increase in seating as part of an initiative to boost the local night-time economy, claiming significant social and economic benefits. However, the council cited concerns about reducing housing availability, stating that the potential loss was not sufficiently justified, and cited fears of setting a negative precedent for similar developments. Following the rejection, Roots has now pursued a pavement licence for outdoor seating.
The council highlighted that the loss of residential housing would have an adverse impact on the borough's housing supply, which couldn't be justified by the restaurant's proposal.
Applicant Upminster Group Ltd emphasized that the expansion would not only create social benefits but also significantly impact the local economy by enhancing the night-time offering.
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