Restaurant given green light to expand (From Messenger Newspapers)

Expansion plans approved for Yara restaurant, Oxford Road, Altrincham

10:00am Friday 17th August 2012 in News

A POPULAR Altrincham restaurant has been given the go-ahead to expand - despite objections from its neighbours.

Planning chiefs have approved a scheme that will see the Yara restaurant take over a shop next door to its premises on Oxford Road.

There will be seating on the ground and first floors and a smoking terrace at the rear of the building.

But neighbours sent in 21 letters objecting to the plan. They claimed they were already affected by noise, disturbance and overlooking from the restaurant and this would increase.

Resident John Ballard told the planning committee the noise when diners left at 11pm, was ‘intolerable’.

There were two letters sent in backing the plan, and a resident, Gill John, spoke in support of the expansion of the restaurant, which she called the ‘jewel in Trafford’s crown’.

Planning committee member, Cllr Mike Whetton, said Oxford Road was established as a ‘mixed use street - I don’t think it can be described as a residential street any more.”

He added: “It is clearly a successful business and it needs to expand. It is an appropriate expansion to take in the property next door.”

Planning committee vice chairman, Cllr Dan Bunting, agreed: “There is a strong commercial element in this street. Many people may choose to live there because they like the hustle and bustle of that kind of street.

“It is great to see a business doing really well.”

The planning committee unanimously approved the application for the restaurant, which specialises in Lebanese and Syrian food.