Plans for The Ivy’s new West Sussex restaurant debated

Design plans for The Ivy restaurant in Chichester could finally clear the first planning hurdle today (Wednesday, February 2) despite ongoing concerns that parts of it are not in keeping with the historic city centre.

An application to include an illuminated menu board and signage at The Ivy when it opens in East Street, which is expected to be in the spring, will go before Chichester District Council’s planning committee today.

It includes a green awning painted with gold lettering and a smoke-green fascia with goldcolour letters, illuminated by external strip lighting, hidden behind the canopy.

There will also be an internally illuminated menu board less than one metre high, inside the restaurant, facing out into the street.

But in an objection to the district council, the Chichester City Council said the illumination would be contrary to design guidance for the city centre and would harm the character and appearance of the conservation area.

Planning officers, though, have recommended the application for approval.

Meanwhile, a planning application for permission for the temporary hoardings set up at the former Topshop site has yet to be approved.

As is an application to make internal and external alterations, the setting up of an outdoor seating area and the installation of roof lanterns.

The ground floor plan for the site includes a round bar area with 18 seats. It is hoped that the restaurant area will have seating for well over 100 customers.