At the request of the Chair, Mr Mohshin Ali, Acting Senior Licensing Officer, introduced the report which detailed the new application for Perfect Fried Chicken, 197 East India Dock Road, London E14 0ED. It was noted that objections had been received by the Metropolitan Police, Environmental Protection, Planning Enforcement and local residents.

A tabled document was produced at the meeting which included a petition supporting the application to extend trading hours, the Chair allowed the opportunity for all interested parties to familiarise themselves with the document.

At the request of the Chair, Mr Nasar Mohammed, Counsel for the applicant explained that the applicant had been trading for the past 14 years, without any complaints, and that it was a successful and established business. He responded to concerns raised by interested parties and highlighted that it was accepted that the area was more commercial than residential, that residents living above the premises supported the extension of hours as it would benefit families by providing food during late hours. It was noted that the applicant would revisit the situation with the extractor fan to help reduce the noise. 

Concerns were raised in relation to the contents of the petition submitted on behalf of Fusion residents. Ms Mohammed explained there had been no complaints about the premises, that the premises had CCTV cameras in operation, and had recently undergone refurbishment, at this point the Sub Committee and interested parties were shown photos of the premises. He concluded by stating that there was no evidential information that the premises has been directly involved in or the cause of any disturbance or anti-social behaviour, nor has there been any complaints about the premises. He also highlighted that the applicants were willing to be flexible and offered a reduction in the hours they had applied for to 02:00 hours everyday.

At the request of the Chair, Mr Ian Wareing, Environmental Protection, referred to his statement in the agenda on page 89 and highlighted that the opening hours were not completed in the application form. He explained that complaints would be received, if opened after 11pm and that the extractor fan would cause disturbance to residents. He concluded that there were eleven other similar food establishments in the area so there was no need to extend beyond midnight.

Mr Thomas Doyle, Planning Enforcement, refereed to his statement on page 93 of the agenda and explained that Planning Enforcement did not support the application to extend opening hours  as this would cause serious public nuisance to surrounding residential occupiers far later into the night and morning then what currently occurs. He explained that the hours applied for were unreasonable and would not maintain a balance between commercial activities and residential amenity in an area where this was clearly required.

Mr Andy Jackson, Metropolitan Police also refereed to his objection on page 85 of the agenda. He also questioned the petition that was submitted on behalf of the applicants and stated that it wasn’t clear what the residents were asked when signing the petition and possibly not aware that the application was to open till 4am. He highlighted that the local area was populated with similar establishments, and if granted, all would ask for the same hours.

Ms Craggie-Lee, local resident also addressed the Sub Committee and explained the issues of anti-social behaviour, youth congregating outside, intimidating residents, and noise nuisance etc.

Members asked questions and in response, it was noted that the applicants would be happy for a reduction in the hours applied for to 2am everyday. It was noted that the applicant had been trading for 14 years with had no complaints.

Members asked questions as to the opening times of other food outlets, there was no exact times presented to members, however it was believed that it was not beyond 12 midnight.

In response to questions it was noted that the CCTV cameras were working and CCTV recordings were kept for one month, they had experienced staff and would also employ SIA door staff which would assist with general security in the area. Members raised concerns about the sale of late night refreshments outside trading hours. Members then tried to establish the noise disturbance that is contributed form A13 traffic and DLR station.

The Chair advised that the Sub Committee would at 7.45pm adjourn to consider the evidence presented. The Members reconvened at 8.15pm. The Chair reported that by a majority vote of 2 for and 1 against;

Members listened to representations from all parties and it was considered that the premises could stay open till a later hour, however Members did not consider that it should open until 04:00am on Fridays and Saturdays. A reduction in hours of 2:00am Monday to Sundays was offered by the applicant and those are the hours that were granted. Members considered that conditions should be imposed to address concerns of crime and disorder and public nuisance.

RESOLVED

That the new application for Perfect Fried Chicken, 197 East India Dock Road, London E14 0ED, be GRANTED in part, with the following conditions;

The Provision of Late Night Refreshments 

Monday to Sunday 23:00 hours – 02:00 hours (the following day)

Hours Premises is Open to the Public

Monday to Saturday from 11:00 hours – 02:00 hours (the following day)

Conditions

1. A CCTV camera system covering both internal and external to the premises is to be installed.

2. The CCTV recordings are to be maintained for 30 days and to be provided upon request to either a Police Officer or an officer of any other Responsible Authority.

3. At all times the premises is open, a person who can operate the CCTV system must be present on the premises.

4. All customers are required to leave the premise by 02:00 hours.

5. A registered SIA door supervisor is to be present at all times from 23:00 hours to 02:00 hours.

6. Prominent and clearly legible notices shall be displayed at all exists of the premises requesting patrons to respect the needs of local residents and to leave the premises and area quietly.   

Informative

Members suggested that due to potential issues of noise nuisance, applicants should ensure that refuse is not taken out during late hours, and the applicants are to liase with the appropriate Council section to have an external bin placed outside the premises.