Neighbours raise noise fears over licensed coffee shop plan

Those objecting to “Couch” opening up in what is currently the Bauhaus furniture store say that the new use of the premises would “bring extra noise to the area”, which is already saturated with bars and restaurants.

One objector told Sheffield Council in a letter opposing the cafe’s licensing application: “There are already enough bars and restaurants on Ecclesall Road.

“There is evidence that the area has too many in that the old Pizza Hut on Berkeley Precinct remains empty, as does one of the new lots next to the new Pizza Express.”

They added: “Noise from the bar and accompanying music will pass up the gardens behind the even side of Southgrove Road and cause a nuisance to the residents.”

A spokesman for the Botanical Gate Community Association said: “It will create a public nuisance by noise from the premises and from customers coming and going.”

However, those behind Couch say it will be a coffee shop open from 11am to 11pm, serving hot drinks and “light snacks confectionery and ice cream.”

In their application to Sheffield Council, they say: “Sales of alcohol are anticipated to be ancillary to the main operation of the premises.

“No formal bar servery is to be incorporated within the premises.

“All sales of alcohol will be from the coffee shop counter and is intended to be predominately wine, bottled beers, along with liquors to support the predominant sale of coffee.”

Members of Sheffield Council’s licensing board will decide whether or not to grant Couch’s application for a premises licence at a meeting to be held on Monday, April 30 at Sheffield Town Hall, beginning at 10am.