Retrospective application unpopular with residents

Tortilla, which opened in 2017, on the corner of Putney High Street and Montserrat Road has put in a retrospective application to retain the 'posers' bars' erected in March on building side running down Montserrat Road.


Tortilla's Posers Bars in Putney

Putney's outlet was the companies first 'Baby Tortilla' and measures less than 800 square feet but still offers the same menu of a full sized Tortilla. It has proved very popular and the company has erected these Posers Bars to give customers space to eat and drink outside of the store. The company was established in 2007, the company website says after "a four year search for decent Burritos and Tacos...... we grew up in the Mission District of San Francisco the self proclaimed Burrito Capital of the world....... we couldn't find the same types of places in London - so we decided to build it ourselves.”

However, local residents have voiced concern on the forum regarding pedestrian access for residents in Montserrat Road is already compromised as the opposite northern footpath is closed whilst the Metro bank developers work on that site.


The Putney Society has lodged an objection to the application stating: 'The area concerned is a narrow pavement on a busy junction with Putney High Street. The plans show the awning line extending over the pavement and thus the likely extent of the usage by customers. This will block the pavement making it difficult for pedestrians to pass. Under the Local Plan - Development Management Policy DMS1 the Council should not grant permission where the proposed development will harm the amenity of occupiers/users and nearby properties through unacceptable noise, (vibration) or traffic congestion – which surely includes pedestrian traffic, particularly now whilst the opposite pavement is closed.

'We have been encouraged by the proposals by the Council to rejuvenate the High Street by
removing clutter to improve the street scene and do not think that this application is in
accordance with the wider plan for the area.'


The retrospective application is dated 3 April in which the agent has indicated work has not started, but the bas were erected during the latter end of March:


The Putney Society also commented on this: 'We are also concerned that the work appears to have already been carried out, despite the application stating that this is not the case. This shows a worrying lack of regard for the planning process and the neighbours'.

Thamesfield Councillor John Locker told this website: 'I am worried about the congestion this will cause on the this narrow pavement just as it joins the High Street. It will make it hard for pedestrians to pass safely and encroach on public space which is limited at this location. For this reason I hope the Planning Committee will refuse this application. I am happy to work with residents who have similar concerns and make sure the views are represented when it comes to the committee meeting.'

This website has contacted the agent representing the company in this application, for comment and to clarify if there would be stools outside, refuse collection by staff and set hours for the use of the bar but as yet have not received a response.