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London rooftop bar approved despite police opposition

19 June 2023 By Louis Thomas

Plans for four new venues at Piccadilly Circus have been approved, in spite of the Metropolitan Police’s concerns that an influx of visitors would lead to an increase in crime.

LS1 Sherwood Street Ltd proposed the development of four venues at the famous junction, including a three floor restaurant (called The Devonshire Arms), a pub, a sports bar, and a rooftop restaurant/bar.

Speaking on behalf of LS1 Sherwood Street Ltd, Alun Thomas told Westminster City Council earlier this month that by developing the food and drink offering at the iconic illuminated signs, it would transform Piccadilly Circus into a “destination rather than a thoroughfare”.

But, alongside some residents of the central London neighbourhood who were worried about noise, the police also voiced their concerns over the plans. Speaking to the council on behalf of the Metropolitan Police, PC Dave Morgan said: “This area of Shaftesbury Avenue is already saturated with licensed premises, it’s taking a real toll on the police at the moment, crime levels are now higher than pre-Covid levels.”

However, on Friday (16 June), the plans received approval from the council.

In consideration of local residents, the sites are only licensed from 9am to 11.30pm from Monday to Thursday, until midnight on Friday and Saturday, and until 10.30pm on Sunday. Overnight deliveries and waste collection have also been prohibited, and restrictions on venue capacity will be enforced.

It is currently unclear when these new venues will be opened.

Not every one has had similar success in trying to get council approval to open a restaurant. Jeremy Clarkson’s long-running war with West Oxfordshire District Council over planning permission for an eatery at his Diddly Squat Farm looks as if it is not going The Grand Tour host’s way, according to reports over the weekend.

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