It’s not probably anyone’s idea of living dangerously, but try this: pop in to Nice Croissant this weekend, and sip your coffee in defiance of planning regulations.
Nice Croissant has been on Wanstead High Street for more than 15 years, but in getting their local authority licensing updated they needed to demonstrate that they had been operating in the same spot for 10 years. The evidence submitted to the council did not meet the requirements (in spite of the evidence of everyone’s eyes and memories, including several councillors who are long-time customers). So the application for a “certificate of lawful development” has been rejected.
A spokesperson for Redbridge Council told Wansteadium:
“This is not retrospective planning permission, it is submitted to establish that the use at the site has been in operation for 10 or more years, which would mean it is lawful and would not require planning permission. The application was refused due to lack of information but the applicant would be able to submit a further application at any time. This means there is currently not planning permission for the use outlined however, if there is sufficient proof that the use currently operating at the site has been in place for 10 or more years, an application for Certificate of Lawful Development or Use (Existing) would be approved.”
So it seems there is no reason to panic – and boss Kerrie Dainty is certainly not panicking – and that the red tape can be solved with the right forms. But if the coffee feels like it’s got a bit of extra kick, you’ll know why.