Melody Cafe Outdoor 'Gazebo' Turned Down By Ealing Council

Covered eating area at Bedford Corner cafe may have to be taken down

Ealing Council has turned down a bid by a cafe owner to retain a covered eating area outside his premises, which may now have to be taken down.

The Council refused the retrospective application for the conservatory style structure outside Melody cafe on Bedford Corner, South Parade.

Owner Mohammad Zarzour had not applied to Ealing Council for planning permission for the 'gazebo' which is situated on a privately-owned patch of land outside the cafe, when he opened last summer. He said he was not aware at the time that he needed to apply for permission and that when he discovered this, he immediately submitted it.

It drew mixed local reaction, with some saying they believed it was out of character in a Conservation Area, while others said it was a welcome addition to an area that needed to be revitalised.

In its rejection of the application, Ealing Council said, "The retention of the gazebo structure by reason of its design, materials and failure to integrate architecturally with the scale and proportions of the original shopfront, represents an undesirable alteration to the front of the principle elevation, and is incongruous and detrimental to the character of the Bedford Park Conservation Area."

Mr. Zarzour can either appeal the decision, or he can take the structure down altogether to comply with Ealing's regulations or face legal action.

The outdoor dining area as it appears from the car-park

The 'conservatory' style wooden structure with a glass roof was lit up at night and plants were installed to encourage customers to visit in the evenings. Mr. Zarzour said that he wanted to create an ambiance which would be of benefit of the community.

But the Bedford Park Society described it as "an unsympathetic heavy timber structure, which is more like an 'off-the-peg' car-port than a gazebo." The BPS said that they would not object to a structure designed "in a scholarly manner" which respected the design of adjacent buildings and acknowledged the fact that it was an important Conservation area.

One regular customer, Simon Rodway, said it was a shame the gazebo might have to be removed. "At least it has improved the awful area around outside. The surface is so uneven that my friend tripped there yesterday. The cafe serves delicious food and Mohammad and staff are very friendly."

Melody cafe offers a range of dishes from breakfasts, to sandwiches and salads as well as hot food throughout the day and into the evening. Mr. Zarzour organised a free dinner for people living alone last Christmas Day and is considering having similar events throughout the year.

The 'gazebo' is on the space which used to be occupied by outdoor tables in the days of the former cafe. He said he had paved the area and that access to pedestrians or those with wheelchairs or buggies was not impeded, and had in fact been improved. His planning statement said that the new development had brought life to the area and it was well lit up at night.

February 1, 2017