'First of its kind' Newport shisha bar rejected over noise and parking fears

Planning permission for the venue in Commercial Road has been refused due to concerns over noise, parking issues and loss of amenity for neighbouring residents.

A partially covered outdoor smoking area and indoor seating for up to 30 people were part of plans submitted by Lounge 32 Ltd.

The properties in Commercial Road, Pill, where the shisha bar was proposed. Pic: Google

The Cardiff-based firm said the venture, which includes the serving of food, would offer a “first of its kind” experience for Newport.

No live music would be played but Newport City Council said the open shelter would not be able to contain noise from socialising customers.

A planning report said: “Its use late into the night will have a detrimental impact upon the amenity of the occupants of adjacent properties by reason of noise and disturbance.”

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Under the proposals the bar would make use of a ground floor which has been vacant for 15 years, with the building’s upper floors housing apartments which are currently vacant.

Building the smoking shelter would take away “essential” outdoor private amenity space for future occupants of the apartments, says the report.

The proposed use would result in a significant increase in demand for parking, with off-street parking on Commercial Road already “heavily subscribed”.

Parking demand is already high on Commercial Road

The report said: “The applicant has failed to demonstrate that the additional parking demand can be accommodated within the area and, as such, the proposal is deemed to be detrimental to highway safety and residential amenity.”

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Lounge 32’s plans have divided opinion in Pill, with the council receiving five letters of objection and a petition with 19 signatures supporting the shisha bar.

Mohammad Asghar, the Conservative AM for South Wales East, wrote in support of the bar, saying that nearby car parks were available within walking distance.

“The area is in need of investment and I feel that any such investment should be considered favourably where there is little or no negative impact,” he said.

“I hope that the planning department is in support of a new and potentially vibrant use.”

But Labour councillor Tracey Holyoake disputed claims that surrounding car parks could handle the expected demand the shisha bar would bring.

Cllr Holyoake added: “I am already receiving complaints about disabled drivers having to park streets away to get to optician appointments due to taxis being parked in disabled bays.”