A CAFÉ and bar’s customer seating area in the middle of an historic market town’s shopping centre has been refused permission – despite having been in place for months.
The operators behind the Arboro Lounge café/bar in Ringwood’s The Furlong centre have had their retrospective application for an enclosed seating area refused by the district council over its apparent “adverse impact upon the open character of this important space”.
Arboro Lounge, owned by national operator Loungers, opened in October last year and replaced department store Furlong Furniture which traded from the building for 30 years before moving online.
Soon after, a small selection of seating with accompanying tables were placed directly outside the site. The principle of an external seating area was accepted with the granting of a premises licence.
However, the eventual installation of a larger boxed seating area proved problematic for some members of the community and the town council who felt the space detracted from the privately owned centre’s openness.
A public bench situated outside the site was also removed to make way for the enclosure.
Jeff Wickens of heritage group Ringwood Society said: “Unlike other external areas it is fixed by way of substantial multi coloured planters which are obtrusive and out of character with the rest of the site. Any seating or surroundings should be removable to accommodate events. The area obscures the horse and foal sculpture which was specifically located to attract visitors.”
Some described it as an “eyesore” which “clashes horribly” with surrounding buildings.
However, others were more sympathetic. Jade Lawrence said: “It looks nice and adds to the hustle bustle of the area. We are supposed to be drawing people into Ringwood and in the summer people want to sit outside.”
Antony Sorton added: “This kind of business, that is investing in our town, adding employment and encouraging visitors should be supported with their investments that add life to our town.”
A New Forest District Council case officer agreed and recommended the application be approved, citing how the seating area “has economic, environmental and social benefits”.
Despite the recommendation, district council planning committee members rejected the retrospective application after concluding the design and siting has an “adverse impact” upon the Furlong’s open character.
The application was only for the planter enclosure, not the seating itself. Therefore, while the table and chairs may remain in place, Loungers UK must remove the enclosure to prevent enforcement action. They can also appeal the decision.
Loungers UK have been approached to comment.
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