Local Group Opposes Late Night Bar At New Cinema

High Road Action group welcomes proposal for cinema but is concerned about noise impact

The Chiswick High Road Action Group has welcomed the proposal for a new cinema in the former Rambert Dance Company premises but says it is concerned about the noise impact on residents from a late night bar.

The group says that the Picturehouse multi-screen cinema would be a "positive addition" to the leisure and cultural amenities of Chiswick but considers that keeping an bar open until 1.30 am is "inappropriate and unreasonable" in that location, particularly since one of the bars is on a roof terrace.

It suggests that an earlier closing time, for example 23.30 hours during week nights and midnight on Friday and Saturday, would be more acceptable. The group notes that the Riverside Studios in Hammersmith has the following closing times: Monday to Saturday, 23.00 and Sunday, 22.30. The group's response also calls for more analysis of local parking to be carried out.

"The data in the Traffic Report appear to suggest that there is adequate spare capacity within the surrounding residential streets. The fact that the streets are within CPZs and that these operate from Monday to Saturday from 9.00 to 19.00 suggest high parking pressure, especially during business hours.

"Pay and display spaces restrict parking to two hours within these times and would not therefore be suitable for cinema clientele. In any case, we request that the company be required by Condition to actively encourage use of public transport in all its publicity and booking information, prior to and after opening. We would also ask that the company seek to provide an on-site disabled parking place."

However in principle, the CHRAG welcomes the proposal for the cinema and says it is pleased that the proposals are for redevelopment of the existing buildings and are largely contained within the existing building envelope

"Refurbishment of the traditional Victorian frontages at 96 and 98 and improvements to the frontage of 94 are positive design features. In design terms, we consider that the signage for the building will be very important and we note that this will be the subject of a separate application.

"Aspects of the proposal on which CHRAG has concerns relate to the impact on residents in terms of noise/disturbance due to the proposed hours of operation and parking. As stated in the applicant's Planning Report 'Chiswick town centre is characterised by the high number of residential properties in close proximity to the centre and its commercial uses.'

"This intimate residential/commercial mix contributes to the character and success of Chiswick town centre but the high residential element does impose certain constraints on commercial activities", says the statement from CHRAG.

A spokesman for the cinema group said: "We are keen to engage with all residents and have been doing so through the open days, our email address, facebook page and speaking to residents. We would like to hear from the Chiswick High Road Action Group so we can discuss what we could do to put any concerns to rest. We are certainly open to discussion when it comes to opening times, parking, and any other matter of concern for residents."

June 16, 2013