Beeston bar may be forced to rip up outdoor decking area

The area was installed shortly after the venue opened in 2016

A bar's only outdoor space may have to be removed after seven years after permission to keep it was refused.

The Berliner in Beeston was contacted by Broxtowe Borough Council to say a smoking and dining area installed seven years ago did not have consent.

New owners Curtis Salmon and Katie Elnor duly applied for retrospective permission.

But they face ripping up the amenity after planners refused it over "noise and disturbance" on people nearby.

Mr Salmon, co-director of the High Road venue, said: "It's been there since basically when the bar opened.

"Myself and Katie took over the directorship in May 2023, and when the letter came through to us in October was the first time we learned there wasn't the correct permission in place.

"The planning officers said we would need to submit a change of use and they would be able to change it. The council were reassuring that there would be no reason it should be objected to, but they did receive an objection.

"We now have until 17 June to appeal, or we will have four weeks to remove everything."

A spokesperson for Broxtowe Borough Council said: "Planning permission for use of the outdoor area was submitted retrospectively and refused.

"Applicants have the right to appeal planning decisions. At this time, we have not received an appeal."

The Berliner is building up evidence of support from the community, including an online petition, ahead of submitting formal appeals to both the council and the Planning Inspectorate.

Mr Salmon added: "We truly believe the respectful use of the decking and having a safe area to get fresh air or to smoke is both beneficial and necessary.

"To lose it at the start of summer could devastate our small business.

The decking is the only outdoor space at the Beeston bar

"The reaction has been surprising.

"We've had 30 or 40 emails from local people giving their reasons to help the case, and the petition has been way above what we had expected, we've had over 1,000 signatures in less than 24 hours. There's been a lot of support."