Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Street cafe culture could help Dundee bars and restaurants
EUROPEAN-STYLE street ca fe c u lt u re cou ld be key to t he e conom ic recove r y of D u ndee’s post-lockdown hospitality trade, according to one councillor.
Dundee’s Labour leader Kevin Keenan said he has been in touch with city planners to propose a way forward for the struggling sector, as cafes, bars, restaurants and hotels remain closed during the pandemic with no clear timescale for reopening.
Many owners are fearful that they simply won’t survive months of enforced closure and may never open up again.
But Councillor Keenan believes one way forward is to adopt a more European-style way of socialising.
He said: “I have asked the question that as eating and drinking will likely be allowed outdoors as the Government starts to lift lockdown, will Dundee consider allowing bars and restaurants some discretion in putting tables outside their premises.
“Some businesses will not make it through this as they had difficulties before lockdown, and now they have a cash flow problem. Allowing more outdoor space to be used may just give that lifeline to those struggling and go some way to keeping i ndividuals employed in Dundee. “
Mr Keenan said city council licensing and planning departments had already been giving this some thought.
He said: “I was told that licensing have already had a number of inquiries about this. These have been passed to city development to take the lead because they would need to grant permission for the use of roads and pavements, etc, and any planning consents which may also be required. Obviously, premises which have already had outside areas before shouldn’t pose a problem.”
“City Development have confirmed that they will support businesses throughout economic recovery wherever they can.
“They have stated in terms of external eating and drinking areas, planning permission would be required where the seating area resulted in change of use of land or buildings. City Development have indicated they are conscious of the statutory planning timescales involved in obtaining permission/consent and the urgency of some businesses to implement any such changes.
“As a result, they have advised that the planning team will be proportionate in their use of enforcement powers given the unprecedented situation, particularly where the situation is temporary and there would be no significant impact on amenity or accessibility.”
Mr Keenan said he had also been informed that temporary changes of use can be undertaken on not more than 28 days in any calendar year where certain criteria can be met – for instance on land that is not within the curtilage of a building – and that will assist many businesses in the short term. Beyond that, planning permission would be required for the development to be lawful.
Alterations to buildings may also require permission, particularly on listed buildings and buildings in Conservation Areas.
A council spokesman said: “The council is committed to supporting businesses as the city recovers from the impact of the pandemic. “We are happy to explore these ideas and would encourage any businesses to get in touch for advice and guidance.
“Given the unprecedented situation, we appreciate the need for outlets to act quickly when lockdown begins to ease and will look to assist them.”