Shisha lounge plan for Wolverhampton pizza takeaway thrown out

Fellas Pizza in Wednesfield was also refused proposals to extend its premises in Rookery Street.

Applicant Azim Lotfpour had asked for permission to add two-storey side and rear extensions to the property, which backs onto the Wyrley and Essington Canal, but was told that due to the planned building’s size and positioning next to a natural environment, it would “visually jar with its surroundings” and was therefore unacceptable.

In a report refusing the proposals, planning officer Martyn Gregory said allowing the development to go ahead would be “a gross overdevelopment” of the site.

He said: “Considering the proposed depth and design of the extensions in relation to the host building, the plans would result in a disproportionate increase in scale to the existing building and form an unacceptable dominant visual feature both in the street and along the canal.

“The site is adjacent to the proposed route for the Midland Metro Line 2, which is planned to run along Rookery Street – a locally classified road that attracts high volumes of traffic throughout the entire day.

“A complete infill of the site would mean the unacceptable loss of any off-street parking facilities within the curtilage of the property. The lack of off-street parking is a significant transportation concern, especially because the development could generate a large number of vehicle trips and an increased demand for parking.

“This would likely result in parking on the public highway, creating a traffic hazard which would be detrimental to pedestrian safety and the safe and free flow of road traffic.”

He added: “Also, the proposed operating hours of 7am to 1am Monday to Saturday, as well as Sundays and Bank Holidays, are unacceptable and unreasonable. This would generate noise levels at unsociable hours which would adversely impact the living conditions of nearby residents – including those living along the canal and to the rear of the site in Torridge Drive.”

“Again, large outdoor smoking areas within close proximity of residential properties are likely to give rise to an unacceptable degree of disturbance, with noise from customers, smoke fumes and odours.”

Shish or hookah lounges are places where people can go to smoke tobacco – often fruit flavoured – from a water pipe. Most also serve hot drinks and sometimes food.