A ROOF terrace scheme for a proposed restaurant at Pool-in-Wharfedale has been refused.

Permission to create the restaurant itself at Pool Business Park, by converting an empty commercial unit, was granted last summer.

But Leeds City Council subsequently received an application to add a roof terrace, with bar and lobby, to the ‘approved but as yet unimplemented’ diner.

Council officers have now concluded that such a move would create an unacceptable level of disturbance.

Their report states: “Discussion has taken place between the applicant and Local Planning Authority to consider options which would address residential amenity concerns.

“However, concerns could not be overcome and officers remain concerned about the impact the terrace will have on the, albeit small number, of nearby properties. The area currently has no night time activity.

“As such, the introduction of a restaurant with a large terrace will result in comings and goings at a time where there is currently very little.

“Whilst this can be controlled as part of the restaurant, the impact of the additional terrace is likely to cause harm to local residential amenity and it is for this reason it is recommended that planning permission is refused.”

Councillor Barry Anderson (Con, Adel & Wharfedale), however, has taken issue with the decision - branding it ‘confused’.

He said: “I was surprised planning permission was refused for this addition to an already accepted planning application for a restaurant/bar at the business park.

“There is only one reason given for refusal which is loss of amenity to the houses closest to the facility, due to potential noise from the terrace bar area.

“It would appear from the report that the applicant has put forward a number of suggested mitigations to deal with the concerns, but these have been rejected.

“Unfortunately, a small business appears to be getting unequal treatment in comparison to the corporate property developers - it is a shame that no such consideration was given to the residents nearest to the Shell garage*, less than half a mile away, in relation to noise and light pollution.

“I feel there is a degree of confusion amongst planning officers when it comes to scale and proportionality of a perceived problem.

“All residents want is consistency and this decision is an example of confusion.”

*Shell’s Pool Bridge filling station was granted permission to be redeveloped last year, despite a string of objections.