Gloucester Docks Toast venture given planning permission despite objections
STUDENTS, visitors to, and residents of the city can look forward to enjoying a toastie at the docks soon after the council’s planning committee approved a new business venture, despite a deluge of opposition.
David Purchase, former Gloucester MP Parmjit Dhanda’s assistant, recently made a planning application for a food outlet at the docks called ‘On Toast’.
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Toast: David Purchase
To his surprise there was staunch opposition to the proposal and more than a dozen letters of objection were sent to Gloucester City Council’s planning committee prior to Tuesday night‘s meeting at the North Warehouse.
Prior to the unanimous approval by the committee, Mr Purchase spoke of his intentions for the new business and of his surprise at the objections.
He said: “As you can see I am not from a major conglomerate to cause unrest.
“I am a resident of the docks area and all I want to do with this business is to provide a service for those who live here and for visitors to the area.
“I never realised it would be so controversial.”
Nick Rowles, a resident of Severn Road, also gave a speech at the meeting outlining the main concerns of the residents in the area.
He said: “If three or four tables are put outside this outlet it will impede the circulation as there is so little room between the building and the dockside.
“There are already nine food outlets within the docks, not including the Quays complex, is another one really needed?
“There will also be some environmental impact through the smell of cooking.”
Councillor Geraldene Gillespie (Lab. Moreland) said: “I welcome a development on that side of the docks. What we want to see is a real vibrant area.
“I understand where the residents are coming from but I believe all of their concerns have been covered in the report.”
Councillor Andy Lewis (Con. Quedgeley Severn Vale) said: “I really do have sympathy with the residents in the area on certain aspects of this application.
“The outside part of it will cause some problems if it isn’t dealt with properly. Litter could be a problem too as these toasties will be in paper, but there will be a litter bin outside the outlet.”
Councillors voted unanimously in favour of the application, which is proposing to open from 8am to 6pm each day, with possible later opening times to coincide with events at the docks.
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by captain catt, seamen's mission
Thursday, September 09 2010, 4:04PM
“OK hands up I admit it, Lamb Chop - I was drunk at the time! But in the morning I'll be sober but you'll still be an intolerable snob! (Sorry Winston!)”
by Lamb Chop, Cheltenham
Thursday, September 09 2010, 2:35PM
“You posted that twice you massive twunt. We all make mistakes it would seem. What¿s got your goat anyway Captain Catt Seaman Guzzler?? Is it that your crack dealers been locked up??”
by captain catt, seamen's mission
Thursday, September 09 2010, 2:20PM
“Managed to find the right article this time have you, Lamb Chop? Surely even someone as dim as you should be able to figure out that even a Cheltonian would find making his own toastie somewhat problematical if caught out peckish when walking round the docks!”
by captain catt, seamen's mission
Thursday, September 09 2010, 2:16PM
“Managed to find the right article this time have you, Lamb Chop? Surely even someone as dim as you should be able to figure out that even a Cheltonian would find making his own toastie somewhat problematical if caught out peckish when walking round the docks!”
by Lamb Chop, Cheltenham
Thursday, September 09 2010, 11:59AM
“A toast restaurant, seriously?? Words fail me . Are people from Gloucester incapable of toasting bread themselves? Too busy selling crack and brawling in the streets obnov.”