I have been contacted numerous times over many months now with regard to planning issues at 580-582 Wickham Road (Helvadere restaurant).
Here is an update from a planning enforcement officer of the council on the current position:
'I visited the site on the 17th September 2020 following picking up this case from a previous enforcement officer who has now left the employment of the Council.
A planning enforcement notice was served on the 14th October 2020 Helvedere Restaurant, 578-582 Wickham Road requiring removal of the large additional ground floor front extension across the front of no’s 578-582 and return of the frontage of all three premises back to how they were prior to the unauthorised front extensions being built. A 3 month period was given for compliance with the notice from when it was due to come into effect on the 16th November 2020.
However, those responsible exercised their right of appeal against the notice with the Planning Inspectorate which has the effect of holding the notice in abeyance while the appeal is decided. The grounds of appeal provided include ground (a) which is that planning permission should be granted for what has been built. Currently the inspectorate await the payment of fees associated with appealing under ground (a) and the Council awaits a start date for the appeal which then sets out the timetable for when submissions from all parties need to be made by.
A further planning enforcement file was created following a complaint received regarding structures built to the side and rear of the restaurant. A planning enforcement officer visited on 18th November and found that a row of three modest wooden cupboards had been built next to the side elevation and a small wooden lean-to attached to the rear, near the door. A decision is yet to be reached what has been found as the officer who was dealing with this case has also left the employment of the Council.'
I am monitoring progress and will post updates when I receive them.
Cllr Jason Cummings
