Arkell's appeals as planning permission for town centre bar is refused

Arkell’s brewery has appealed against Swindon Borough Council’s refusal of planning permission canopy on the art deco frontage of Rudi’s bar in the town centre.

During the Covid-19 lockdowns a steel and Perspex shelter was put up under the rules allowing it at the time to enable greater social distancing for the bar’s customers.

When Arkell’s later tried to get retrospective permission to keep the shelter, permission was refused.

The brewery tried again and was again rebuffed.

It has now launched an appeal against that second decision.

And in its letter to the government-appointed Planning Inspector, the brewery says it made changes to the pavilion specifically on the advice of Swindon Borough Council’s planning department.

The timber posts at the front of the pavilion, which had led to criticisms that it looked like a ‘cowshed’ were replaced with slim grey steel posts. Elsewhere the frame and posts were painted grey, as were the joins in the Perspex roof.

The written submission tells the inspector: “In the e-mail from the officer, which is enclosed, it seems clear that once the revisions were made the officer felt that they could approve the application.

The building is built from brick with a flat parapet roof and glazing around the ground floor level. It was built in the 1930s and is Art Deco in style.

The building is a non-designated heritage asset. Despite this we do not consider that the proposed canopy deflects from the character and appearance of the building.”

The submission takes issue with the council’s reasons for refusing permission that the canopy is too big and not in keeping with the building.

It says: “The canopy is modest in size, is not overbearing and will respect the function of the building.

“Following the advice of the officer, it is keeping with the character and appearance of the host dwelling and the surrounding residential area. It functions well with the building and overall quality of the area.

“It also provides a needed sheltered outside space.

“Whilst the building is a non-designated heritage asset, we consider that the style of the building and surrounding area cannot be described as aesthetically pleasing. The canopy has been designed fully taking into account the suggestions and requirements of the planning officer and does not visually detract from the building.”

The Inspector is accepting written arguments from both Arkell’s and Swindon Borough Council and consultees.

A site visit will be arranged but no public hearing is to be put on.

A decision is expected later this year.