Go-ahead for plans to turn former Chester tattoo parlour into new bar 'The Black Bush'

Plans to turn a vacant former Chester tattoo parlour into a bar have been given the go-ahead. The new venue will open at the Grade II listed Lower Bridge Street premises that was vacated by The Black Freighter Tattoo company, now based on Castle Street, more than 12 months ago.

The premises will be called The Black Bush and feature three separate bar areas. A full planning application submitted by the applicant Andy Smyth was rubber stamped last week by Cheshire West and Chester Council after listed building consent was granted back in April.

In a report recommending approval, council case officer Lynsey Logue said: "The applicant has stated that the bar would have the opening times of 12 midday to 11pm at night, and that there would be no live music, however the proposed use has the potential to impact upon existing residential amenity, particularly as there are residential properties above one part of the building.

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"The proposed use may increase the number of people wishing to visit the premises in comparison to the existing tattoo parlour. However, the property is in a city centre location, which has accessibility to a number of modes of public transport and is easily walkable.

"There is restricted street parking in the area, and a number of parking facilities. It is not thought that the proposal would impact upon highway safety and that the proposal complies within this aspect of the development plan.

"A noise assessment has been submitted in support of the application. The assessment identified that a residential dwelling is located above bar area 1 and a public bar above areas 2 and 3. The proposal has the potential to cause disturbance to residents at sensitive hours.

"The assessment concluded that a suitable suspended ceiling above bar area 1, should be installed to reduce noise transmission to the adjacent dwelling. The applicant provided details of the proposed sound insulation, and this was deemed acceptable. The insulation has been installed and verification sent. The retention of the insulation can be secured by condition on any permission."

The report concludes: "It is considered that the proposed development is an acceptable use within this city centre location. The proposal would not have a detrimental impact upon visual amenity and preserve the character and appearance of the Conservation area.

"The proposal would not cause harm to the Listed Building and those heritage assets in the vicinity. It is considered that the proposal would not have a significant adverse impact on health or quality of life, having particular regard to residential amenity."

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