Noodle Bar Opens Despite Planning Permission Refusal
Chopstix on the High Street was denied approval for extractor fans
A balloon arch welcomes customers to the new restaurant. Picture: Nicholas Austin
August 25, 2023
A new noodle bar has opened on Putney High Street this week without obtaining necessary planning permission.
Chopstix Noodle Bar at number 92 had a balloon arch outside but some residents were not happy about the opening.
There was opposition to a new takeaway restaurant in the unit, as it was felt retail businesses should have been preferred, but the council has confirmed the designation of the premises allows for the operation of a business serving hot food.
However, an application (2022/3027) made for the installation of replacement internal kitchen ventilation equipment consisting of an exhaust, vents and air conditioning condensers was refused by the council on 20 July. Nearly 100 people had objected to the application.
The proposal was to install extractor fans at the rear of the premises.
One of those opposing the application, Nicholas Austin, said, “It has made a complete mockery of the members of the planning committee and the planning process in Wandsworth.
“The local Thamesfield councillors have been working tirelessly to try and get the council’s enforcement department to take action, but they seem very reluctant to do so.
“The fact that all the equipment is even there is a breach let alone the fact that it has now been turned on and is pumping out hot air and cooking pollutants all across the residential areas and outside terraces of the High Street.”
Chopstix is a national chain with over 50 outlets across England and Scotland. It traces its origins to a stall in Camden Market and describes itself as the largest Asian inspired quick serve restaurant in the UK. It gets a significant proportion of its orders through mobile phone apps such as Deliveroo. It aims to serve customers who order in within one minute.
A council spokesperson said, “Planning permission is not required to use this unit as a restaurant because it does not constitute a material change of use; however one is required for the installation of the external ventilation system. An application for the external ventilation system was refused permission in July. This is the subject of an ongoing planning enforcement investigation. A new application has been received this week. In the meantime, Enforcement and Environmental Health officers continue to monitor the situation.”
We have asked Chopstix for a comment but are yet to receive a reply.
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