Entertainment Venue Approved for Former Bank Site Despite Local Opposition

A proposal to transform a disused bank building into a live entertainment establishment in a local town has received approval, notwithstanding objections voiced by local residents and elected officials. The planning committee of East Herts District Council cast votes supporting the project for the former Barclays bank situated in Sawbridgeworth, Hertfordshire. The establishment, anticipated to be named The Vault, is planned to offer alcohol and hot food, though it still requires a separate licensing approval from the council, as reported by the Local Democracy Reporting Service. Although the premises could have functioned as a restaurant without requiring planning permission, the council’s consent was necessary for its reclassification as a live entertainment venue or bar. Council officials had advocated for the granting of permission, referencing a “significant public benefit” derived from reactivating the Grade II listed structure for public access. Nevertheless, certain councillors, among them some members of the planning committee, along with members of the public, expressed reservations regarding the proposals. Sarah Glover, a member of the public, was one individual who addressed the meeting, highlighting the concern that the venue would be located directly across from a primary school. She cautioned that “anti-social behaviour” could potentially arise after the venue’s opening and posed the question: “Should we as a community have to put up with social disorder?” Those opposing the plans also voiced worries regarding the potential noise disturbance for nearby residents, insufficient parking facilities, and the proposed method for managing waste generated by the venue. Angus Parsad-Wyatt, who serves as the councillor for the Sawbridgeworth ward, stated that the proposals would “fundamentally change the character of this quiet, family-oriented street”. Yvonne Estop, the councillor for Bishop’s Stortford Central, remarked: “If you live in a town centre, which effectively people do, then you have to expect that there’s activity as well as residential.” The applicant was absent from the meeting and therefore did not respond to inquiries from councillors. Councillors did, however, vote to impose a condition stipulating that the venue must schedule deliveries to avoid times coinciding with school opening and closing. Furthermore, they approved the granting of listed building consent for internal modifications to the structure. The suggested operating hours are from 08:00 to 23:00, Sunday through Thursday, and from 08:00 until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. News updates for Beds, Herts and Bucks can be accessed via BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram, and X. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content found on external websites. Information regarding our policy on external linking is available.