9 Weetwood Lane ('Catch') - our submission

Thanks to everyone who emailed us with their thoughts on the premises licence application at the old chippy. The consensus view was the same as our own - good to have a new business occupy the space, but let's make sure it doesn't negatively affect the area.

Thanks also to the residents of the area around the site who took the time to chat to us about this and other issues at their door on Saturday.

Here's our submission to Licensing in full, jointly with Alex Sobel MP:

We certainly want this premises to come back into use, it has been empty for too long which is bad for the building and we do find that litter builds up there while it's not being maintained on a daily basis.

We think it's vital that two things happen:

1. To prevent negative impact on the residents who live on St Chads Road (the same street) especially around noise, litter, and any ASB - please note the two blocks of flats there are retirement accommodation and there is a primary school there to

2. To entirely remove the potential that this premises becomes a part of the Otley Run

The experience of other restaurants and bars in the near vicinity - whether it's 'The Reserve' cocktail bar just metres away, or 'Residence' further into Headingley - prove that these conditions would still allow Soho gastro pub to flourish as a business.

On point number 1 we suggest the following conditions:

• The outdoor area won't be used past 10pm

• To harmonise the opening hours with other nearby restaurants (00:30 on a week day seems significantly later than other premises). They haven't applied for late night refreshment (hot food after 11pm) so we say they should close by 11pm, and should not be opening at 9am and should not be serving alcohol in the morning - as we say, opening hours and serving should harmonise with other local venues

• Noise must not be audible to the nearest residence (Orchard Court) after 9pm - with a specified dba level

• They will carry out twice daily inspections/collections of any litter around the premises 

• They will open their car park for parents to use freely (with a waiting limit) to help with school drop off / pick up at Weetwood Primary

On point number 2 we suggest these:

• They will not be allowed to serve Otley Runners

• It is a condition that the premises must be food-led

• No advertisement of drinks-only offers (e.g. "2-for-1 cocktails")