Sheffield Council gives green light to new restaurant in first virtual meeting

The committee made the decision during the council's first virtual meeting to avoid breaking rules on physical distancing.

Jack Wakelin and Tom Aronica - who run the acclaimed Public, on Surrey Street - will now be able to progress with plans to bring the new Bench Bar Restaurant to Nether Edge Road.

The team described the new place as a bistro and neighbourhood shop which will be open from 4-11pm every day on the former site of Birdhouse Tea Company.

In their application form, they said: "With a neighbourhood restaurant opening to the evening, it will bring more footfall to the area and boost the economy of the area.

"There will be minimal negative impact as we aren't open late and ensure our activities are in line with the licensing objectives."

However, some neighbours were concerned about the potential impact.

Dr Alice Bell, who submitted a written objection to the council and spoke in the meeting, said they already have problems with drunk people coming out of bars in the area shouting, fighting and littering late at night and was afraid another venue would only add to the nuisance, despite attempts to prevent it.

But Mr Wakelin tried to reassure her they were keen to avoid disruption, adding the restaurant aims to be small and community focused.

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