Lytham restaurant Spago in planning bid to save glass front from removal

The operators of Spago put up the structures some eight years ago to allow extra dining space outside the main building.

But Fylde Council considered that in that particular form, the business had breached planning control because the design was more obtrusive than the version which had been granted permission.

Now councillors on the planning committee will decide on the latest application when it comes up at the next meeting, on Wednesday January 21. The restaurant’s owners are considering some alterations to the current structure, which is still deemed unauthorised.

The 1825 building, on Dicconson Terrace, is Grade II listed and part of Lytham’s conservation area.

Back in 2018 the council slapped an enforcement notice on the business, which required the owners to either remove the items or make alterations so they complied with planning consent.

This led to an appeal by Spago, which was dismissed by planning inspector Daniel Hartley, who concluded: “The works and development have failed to preserve the listed building and the character and appearance of the conservation area.”

The latest application is for the erection of a forecourt canopy to the front with variations to the existing authorised canopy, involving 1) removal of glazed balustrade to northern side elevation and elements of glazed balustrade to the southern side elevation, and 2) the removal of a central vertical support to both side elevations and use of ‘seemless’ glazing.

It also includes 3) replacement of perspex covering to the central access route with ‘imitation glass’.

A planning officer’s report is recommending that the application be refused, and concluded: “The application relates to the premises occupied by Spago on Dicconson Terrace in Lytham town centre and the erection of a canopy to the front forecourt that is based on the existing unlawful structure in that location.

“ Irrespective of its design, the erection of a canopy structure clearly brings a degree of harm to the listed building, conservation area and Dicconson Terrace streetscene.

“Whilst it is accepted that the presence of a covered canopy makes the front terrace area more attractive throughout the year, the public benefits that can be ascribed to this covered canopy proposal must be modest.

“Given these modest public benefits it is considered that they do not outweigh the harm that is caused to the listed building from the erection of a covered canopy over the forecourt. There are no other material considerations to consider in this case and accordingly the application is recommended for refusal. “

However, a Planning and Heritage Statement in support of the plans said: “The proposed amendments are proposing significant enhancements to the canopies, particularly the flank elevations, and these are considered to be material benefits benefitting the heritage environment of the building and site within the designated Lytham Conservation Area.

“With the amendments now proposed it is considered that the overall design is now appropriate and commensurate with adopted planning policy.”