A Leicester restaurant’s bid to extend its opening hours has been rejected because of fears its night-time customers could disturb neighbours and leave litter. Concerns the plans for Chaiiwala would add to the area’s parking problems were also raised.
Chaiiwala had requested Leicester City Council’s planning department for permission to stay open until midnight during the week and 1am at weekends. However, that plan by the Evington Road restaurant has been turned down despite claims from agents that diners were “unlikely” to cause noise issues due to the fact Chaiiwala was a sit-down eatery.
The restaurant, in the city’s Stoneygate ward, was already a popular destination for people in its neighbourhood according to the agent. They said many of its customers walked there instead of travelling by car, making it better for the environment, while the later opening hours would allow it to meet demand for late-night dining during religious periods, particularly Ramadan when Muslims fast from dawn to sunset.
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In their application, Chaiiwala’s agents said: “Restaurants are less likely to result in noise, disturbance, litter, and anti-social behaviour due to their structured and controlled environment. The sit-down dining experience keeps customers indoors, under the supervision of staff, which discourages rowdiness and loud behaviour.
“The longer time commitment involved in eating at a restaurant fosters a more relaxed atmosphere, attracting patrons looking for a leisurely meal rather than a quick, impulsive food stop. This contrasts with takeaways, which often cater to people seeking fast food, sometimes late at night, when intoxicated crowds are more common and more prone to causing disturbances.”
The agents also dismissed concerns their extension could lead to an increase in littering. They said: “Restaurants handle waste management internally, reducing the chances of litter in public spaces. Unlike takeaways, where customers may eat on the go and dispose of packaging improperly, restaurant waste stays within the premises and is managed by staff.
Chaiiwala in Leicester’s Evington Road
(Image: Google)
“The applicant contends that an established and existing reputable restaurant is best-placed to accommodate later opening hours. Given this application’s own merits and specific circumstances, there is no substantiated concern of anti-social behaviour or littering associated with the proposed extended opening hours.”
However, officials on Leicester City Council disagreed. City planners said the proposal to extend hours would be “significantly detrimental” to the the neighbourhood “by reason of noise and disturbance generated by the comings and goings of people”. They said this would be especially the case for those travelling by vehicle “during late night hours”.
The extension has been rejected, but Chaiiwala can register an appeal. It is unclear if such a move will be lodged at this stage.
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