A long-standing local eatery in Romford, Dixy Chicken, has once again faced a significant setback in its persistent efforts to extend its operating hours, marking the fifth time such a proposal has been rejected by planning authorities.
The takeaway, situated on Old Mill Parade in Victoria Road, has a lengthy history of attempting to gain approval for later closing times. Its initial application in 2004 sought permission to operate until 2:30 AM, a considerably later hour than currently permitted, showcasing the persistent ambition of this local business.
More recently, the establishment scaled back its ambitions, proposing a 1 AM closing time in 2024. This latest bid aimed to standardize the later hours across all days of the week, a departure from previous requests that often focused solely on weekend extensions, reflecting a desire for consistent nightlife economy contribution.
However, the planning officer’s report highlighted critical concerns regarding the proposal’s potential impact on the surrounding environment. It specifically noted that “the proposed extension of operating hours would, by reason of its location and relationship to nearby sensitive receptors, result in an unsatisfactory relationship by way of noise and disturbance,” a key factor in the repeated refusals in Romford planning.
Further amplifying these concerns, the Romford Civic Society registered a formal objection to the extension. Their opposition underscored fears that extended operating hours would inevitably lead to “increased noise, disturbance, traffic and litter” within the residential vicinity, directly addressing significant community concerns about local well-being and urban development.
Conversely, the applicant argued that granting the extension would provide much-needed hospitality services to a growing area, asserting that “extending the restaurant operation’s hours by one hour after midnight will provide the growing area with the needed hospitality services and, in general, it will support the local economy.” This argument frequently surfaces in discussions about takeaway regulations and their economic impact.
This ongoing saga encapsulates a common tension found in urban areas between the aspirations of local businesses seeking growth and the legitimate concerns of residents regarding quality of life, particularly concerning late-night operations and potential noise pollution.
The repeated rejections underscore a firm stance by authorities to prioritize residential amenity over commercial convenience in this particular Romford location, suggesting a carefully balanced approach to urban development in the borough.
Leave a Reply