A bid to convert a former barber shop into a cafe serving alcohol has been refused amid fears it would cause "significant harm" to the street scene.

Station Parade Lounge, formerly Cami and Chris Limited, had its application to convert the former Elm Park Barbers in Station Parade into a cafe with a conservatory refused on August 2.

The application, P0797.24, supported by agent Architektas, was received by Havering Council on May 5 and validated two days later.

A separate premises licence application was submitted to allow for the sale of alcohol there on July 19, open to feedback from July 22 until August 7.

Responding to the planning application, the council stated the forecourt seating area would have an "unacceptable impact" on its neighbours.

"The proposed extension [...] would represent a wholly incongruous form of development that would fail to harmonise with its surroundings.

"[It] would result in significant harm to the character and appearance of the street scene," the council added.

RELATED NEWS: Elm Park Barbers could become new café Station Parade Lounge

A retractable overhang was included as part of the planning bid.

The council also took issue with possible noise that would come from the premises.

"The forecourt seating area would result in an unacceptable impact on the living conditions of neighbouring residential occupiers in respect of noise, especially in the evening," the council stated.

Station Parade Lounge has been in the making for a while - the company changed its registered office address to 1 Station Parade back in August 2022.

The company name was officially changed to Station Parade Lounge.

The local authority also identified obstruction to pedestrians as a possible problem with the application.

"The proposed development would result in permanent blocking of the adopted highway, resulting in obstruction to pedestrians and preventing the ongoing maintenance of the public footway," the council stated.

In the council officer's report, one comment was received which raised concerns over noise, lack of car parking and the potential for anti-social behaviour. 

The applicant has the opportunity to appeal the decision within 28 days.