Plans to create an open-air bar with food stalls on the site of the Aladdin’s Cave architectural salvage-antique business have been shelved to the relief of local residents.
The site, alongside the railway line at the top of Loampit Hill, was going to be used for a housing development. But it recently became the focus of local concern when a licensing application was submitted.
Councillors say the owners were looking at a proposal which involved setting up a “Model Market style” food and drink business on the site.
Local residents in St Johns, Brockley and Ladywell, worried about noise and nuisance, flooded the Licensing Committee with objections.
“There were more than 40 objections from residents,” said a local councillor. Lewisham Council and the police also objected.
Councillors were told just days ago that the Licensing Committee meeting on May 11 which would have discussed the application had been cancelled.
The application had been withdrawn “to enable full consideration” of the comments and objections made by local people.
The council’s objections were focused on safety and the appropriate use of the site. The site sits close to the railway line, the main timber building there is regarded as a fire risk, and there were no plans for toilet facilities. There was also concern about possible queueing on the pavement outside the site next to a busy main road.
“This just is not an appropriate use of the site. There are local residences nearby,” said the councillor.
The owner and developer are expected to return with further proposals for the Aladdin’s Cave site.