Pub set to get green light for extension
A pub in Larkhall is set to get an extension despite seven letters of objection.
The Q Bar, in the town’s Church Street, is looking to expand their premises into the neighbouring vacant unit.
The proposal will allow them to have a larger kitchen, another WC, staff room and office, but the majority of floorspace will be used for playing pool and darts.
Plans submitted to South Lanarkshire Council’s Hamilton Area Committee last week also proposed to allow the pub to have two openings between the two properties.
However neighbouring residents to the bar had several concerns about the application.
Some residents believe that it will cause parking problems for them, as they currently use the car park behind the site, and believe the change to the building will increase traffic and parking problems.
One resident believes expanding the premises will increase more people going to the public house and therefore it will lead to even more drunk patrons leaving the bar, causing disruption for local residents.
Another resident felt that heavy goods vehicles and deliveries associated with the bar and restaurant have already damaged the rear of the property and are concerned that this is only going to get worse.
However, planning officials stated in their report to councillors that:“the existing Q Bar and Restaurant at 69 Church Street will change very little internally with the bar/dining area remaining in the same area as it is at present, and only two small opening being made in the wall to link number 69 and 71. The main changes will be to the front of the building where there will be a new lobby porch at the main entrance and alterations to the windows of both building to improve the appearance of the premises. It is not considered that these physical changes associated with the change of use will have a detrimental impact on the surrounding area.
“In summary, it is considered that, given the historical use of the site, the surrounding mixed uses and the fact that no concerns have been raised by either consultee, the proposal is acceptable in terms of local plan policy.
“On this basis it is therefore recommended that planning permission be granted subject to conditions.”