Craft beer bar proposal not to everyone’s taste in Bexley
By Joe Coughlan, Local Democracy Reporter
An application is in for a new craft beer bar in Bexley’s Broadway – but neighbours have claimed the noise of customers outside their flats could make their lives ‘hell’.
The pub, called Good Space Tap, would sit on the ground floor of the Eastside Quarter development, a new block of flats in the town centre opposite Cineworld.
The space would be licensed to serve booze from 11am to 11pm every day, with outside seating along the front of the space.
Specialty coffee and cakes would be available from the venue from 8am, with takeaway beer also being offered. The business is proposed by the same team behind the No Frills Joe Brewing Company in Greenhithe, Kent.
More than 40 objections to the scheme have been sent by neighbours of the site. One of them is Vishall Tell, who said he lives in a flat directly above the proposed pub.
Mr Tell said in his objection: “If given a licence, I will lose all my privacy as if you visit the site you will see that the site is so close to my balcony and living room that I will feel as if their customers are sitting in my living room.”
He added: “I would not be able to use my balcony at all due to privacy and noise concerns, also as they will have outdoor seating all of their customers will be able to see through straight into my living room and balcony. This is unacceptable and will make my young family’s life hell.”
Council documents showed the applicant said the door of the bar would be kept shut in the evenings to prevent noise affecting residents and any rubbish from the space would be cleared.
The applicant added that individuals causing antisocial behaviour would be banned.
Several expressed their support for the proposal, however. Local resident Rory Wheble said: “The business will have little to no negative impact on the area and bring positives such as supporting local businesses, more affordable leisure time (as micropubs are often more affordable) and even jobs.”
The plans to open the new bar on Broadway will be discussed at a Bexley council licensing meeting tomorrow (Tuesday).
Pictured top: The new pub is planned for the ground floor of the Eastside Quarter development in Bexleyheath (Picture: Google Street View)