140 Orpington High Street was formerly the home of Orpington Design Centre(Image: Google Maps)
Plans to open a new late-night venue in Orpington High Street have been met with objections from the police, nearby residents and Bromley Council. Neighbours fear the new bar will “place late night revellers within family streets” and make it “unsafe” for locals.
The council’s licensing sub-committee will meet to discuss a new premises licence application for Priory Lounge & Tapas Bar at 140 High Street in Orpington on April 17.
The new business is described as “a stylish, community-focused hospitality venue offering a relaxed lounge atmosphere with a curated selection of freshly prepared tapas, small plates, and premium beverages”. Priory Lounge wants to open from 11am to midnight Sunday to Thursday, and then til 1.30am on Fridays and Saturdays.
The premises licence application has been met with backlash, with various authorities and neighbours raising concerns. The Metropolitan Police have registered an official objection but details as to why have been withheld from the public.
Bromley’s own licensing team wants the application to be refused in full as it feels the Lounge’s late-night hours will disturb nearby residents, especially with its large outdoor space behind the High Street that is capable of hosting 50 customers.
The licensing department also stated that the premises owners had “undertaken significant development works at the premises without planning permission” and the Lounge was “not made available for inspection in a timely manner”.
The council’s planning team said it had two open enforcement investigations for unauthorised works and change of use at Priory Lounge. These investigations are believed to be linked to the large outdoor area at the rear of the property.
The Knoll Residents Association has objected to the application on the grounds that the new venue would disturb residents living behind the High Street due to the potential for late-night noise coming from the external area. The association also claimed it carried out its own resident poll which had 94 per cent opposition from 182 responses received.
The premises licence application itself only received 13 objections from neighbours and one letter of support. Most objections related to the potential for late-night noise disturbance.
One objector said the Lounge opening would “place late night revellers within family streets” and this would be “unsafe for the local population”. Another said: “Exposure to late-night disturbance, intoxicated individuals, and anti-social behaviour in the surrounding streets will negatively impact the wellbeing and safety of children in the area.”
Bromley Council’s licensing sub-committee will also discuss another new premises licence application on April 17, this being for a new Afro-Caribbean convenience store at 109 Burnt Ash Lane. Mide Afro Mart wants to open and sell alcohol from 9am to 11pm daily.
Got a story? email cameron.blackshaw@reachplc.com
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