License application for Unit A, Gaumont Tower

[tim]

A license application has been lodged for Unit A, Gaumont Tower

"Application for a premises licence to allow the supply of alcohol, films, recorded music, from 06:00 to 00:00 daily, plays, live music, performances of dance and any entertainment of a similar description from 12:00 to 00:00 daily and late night refreshment from 23:00 to 00:00 daily."
www.hackney.gov.uk/Assets/Documents/eb-la2003-October-2012.pdf

It's obviously quite hard to interpret what this premises will be, as the application is just for a license. Something like Cafe Oto would come under this description as would be a great addition to the square, (although it is a bit of a rarity!) However it could be something worse.

The Hackney council policy on noise from commercial premises is quite clear so I'd hope the application and enforcement would adhere to that:

"Other than in exceptional circumstances, the Council expects that noise associated with regulated entertainment which takes place between the hours of 23:00 and 09:00 or which takes place on a frequent basis at any time, should be controlled to such a level that the noise will be inaudible at all times inside noise sensitive properties in the vicinity of the licensed premises."
www.hackney.gov.uk/noise-commercial-licensed-premises.htm

Personally I'm keen to see the commercial units let out to a range of uses that contribute to a positive environment in the square, both during the daytime and evenings. I think that this application could well meet that need. However balancing this I think the experience of residents needs to remain paramount. I've contacted the council to convey my views.

If you feel motivated, representations can be made to the council by email, ([e-mail],) before closing date of 9th Nov.

[mjh1234mjh]

If you google those two individuals you can see they set up a company called Meh-Mur Limited in the last few months. If you look at the companies they are currently directors of there are a variety of business interests from what looks like a newsagents / off-license to what seems to be a restaurant. So my guess its one of those two things.

Cheers

[Mark]

Hi guys.

Gonna announce this is the next DSRA Newsletter (probably to be published tomorrow) but can tell you now. It will be a food cafe (as opposed to a drinks cafe) called Cafe Square. It is owned by a Dalston Square resident and will hopefully be a great addition to the Square.

[tim]

Oct 24, 2012 7:41:35 GMT Mark said:

Hi guys.

Gonna announce this is the next DSRA Newsletter (probably to be published tomorrow) but can tell you now. It will be a food cafe (as opposed to a drinks cafe) called Cafe Square. It is owned by a Dalston Square resident and will hopefully be a great addition to the Square.

Sounds promising.

Are there any further updates on the other commercial units and any estimated opening date for the Co-Op?

[tine]

Sounds indeed promising. Although I admit I wonder why, if the owner is a neighbour, they have not engaged with us at all...

[Mark]

Hi Tim.

The info I have has come directly from Barrat. As you can see, the building work on the Co-Op is now under-way, but I do not know when it is due to open. With regard the rest of the units on the Square, nothing has yet been signed but all but 2 of the units are under discussion. As these are still in the talks stage I am not at liberty to say who the talks are with, but what I can say is that they are all food and drink related (eat/drink on premises, not retail). As and when I hear of any further signings I will let you know.

Also, further to the news of Cafe Square opening in Gaumont, an application is in to the council for premises licencing. Check this out:



Is anyone else concerned about this? Alcohol licence for on AND OFF premises? Live and recorded music until midnight 7 days a week? Dancing, movies, late night refreshment? What sort of cafe is this? I don't suppose they are actually planning 7 nights a week of entertainment, but I am pretty sure I do not want to hear (loud) music echoing around the square until midnight (the Square is a perfect sound trap) during the week! Is it just me or is this describing a bar rather than a cafe? Or am I just getting old?

[Mark]

Further to the above (regarding the licencing application) I have decided to contact the council directly with my concerns (I am not alone in this, several other residents are doing the same). If anyone else has worries that this is not what we need in the Square, an email to [e-mail], referencing 'Representation in respect of application: Unit A, Gaumont Tower, Dalston Square, E8 3BQ', to arrive not later than November 11th, is the best way forward. The more residents expressing their concerns, the more likely the council will listen to those concerns.

[jvl]

Thanks, Mark. I have just sent the council an email, as you suggested. It seems that they simply 'ticked all the boxes' and are hoping to get as much as possible. Not sure if that is a sensible strategy....

[davetapes]

I to just to emailed the council as am pretty concerned with the tick all boxes part of the application as well. It does sound like they are not sure what they want it to be if it is a newagent being able to sell alcohol at 6am is ok but if it's a cafe / bar don't think we'd too pleased living above it on the weekend!!

[Matt]

Thanks Mark, i too have sent the council an email to raise my concerns. Like most on this thread i want to see the Square develop into a vibrant space for all members of the community, but am concerned by the "cafe's" application.

On a similar note, having spoken to the concierge the other day they advised that one of the units underneath Thomas Tower might become a Wine Bar. Has anyone else heard anything similar? Does anyone have any further information on this?

Matt

[martin]

Regarding this license for a restaurant at the bottom of Gaumont Tower allowing alcohol, live music and dancing until midnight, we have sent our objection to the Council, mainly on the grounds of noise reverberating around the square. This is not just the risk of music filtering out, but also groups of customers entering and exiting late at night - obviously after having a few drinks - with the last customers probably leaving after midnight. Also, the inevitable gaggles of smokers would stand outside chatting. We also noted that the 6am start time could possibly mean noisy early-morning deliveries. We value a good night's sleep so objected to this.

After having made a small survey around the Square we are worried that a lot of residentsare simply unaware of this application, or do not realise that tenants as well as owners can object.

Martin & Susan

[Mark]

Oct 26, 2012 10:29:37 GMT Matt said:

On a similar note, having spoken to the concierge the other day they advised that one of the units underneath Thomas Tower might become a Wine Bar. Has anyone else heard anything similar? Does anyone have any further information on this?

Matt

You gotta love that rumour mill.

As I said, beside the 2 confirmed units (Co-op & Cafe Square), all but 2 of the units around the square are being considered by prospective businesses. One company, who will remain nameless until such time as they sign a lease, are interested in 2 units, one each side of the Square. One unit is potentially to be used as a sushi/noodle bar (yes please ), and the other as a wine bar (personally, not sure I want any boozing establishments within the Square ). As I say, "in talks", nothing for sure. If and when I hear more I will make an announcement either here or on the website.

Oct 26, 2012 11:18:22 GMT martin said:

..... with the last customers probably leaving after midnight....... We also noted that the 6am start time

Martin & Susan

Of course the thing here is that these hours contravene the noise pollution rules laid down in residents leases. Depending on which phase you reside in, our leases state quiet times of 11.00pm until 7.00am for phase 1, and 11.00pm until 8.00am for phase 2.

Oct 26, 2012 11:18:22 GMT martin said:

After having made a small survey around the Square we are worried that a lot of residents are simply unaware of this application, or do not realise that tenants as well as owners can object.

Martin & Susan

This whole issue has been adressed in the latest newsletter on the website, and will be mentioned on the newsletter advertising posters that will go on all block noticeboards tomorrow, so hopefully word will get around. ;D

[Matt]

Oct 26, 2012 15:31:36 GMT Mark said:

You gotta love that rumour mill.

As I said, beside the 2 confirmed units (Co-op & Cafe Square), all but 2 of the units around the square are being considered by prospective businesses. One company, who will remain nameless until such time as they sign a lease, are interested in 2 units, one each side of the Square. One unit is potentially to be used as a sushi/noodle bar (yes please ), and the other as a wine bar (personally, not sure I want any boozing establishments within the Square ). As I say, "in talks", nothing for sure.

Noted! (Although saying that, a sushi/noodle bar would be pretty awesome!)

[KA]

Hi all. Does anyone know if it is true about the gastro pub opening up next to the eastern curve garden? Thanks

[bob]

Hi
Yes it is, they are dealing with the license just now.
Next door to that will be a premier inn.