St Ives Former Shoe Shop Converts to Bar Despite Local Concerns

Plans to convert a former shoe shop at 7 Bridge Street in St Ives, Cambridgeshire, into a bar by The Barn St Ives Ltd have been approved by Huntingdonshire District Council despite objections from local residents and businesses. Concerns were raised about increased noise, parking difficulties, and potential disturbances from live music and smokers outside the bar, especially by a neighboring hairdressing business. However, planning officers concluded that the potential impacts could be mitigated by conditions and found no significant adverse effects on the public highway, considering the site's central location and proximity to public transport. The development is seen as a positive reuse of the commercial unit that would bring vitality, create new jobs, and support the town center's viability. Previous complaints about the area being "chaotic and very loud" were acknowledged, but no objections were raised by the environmental health team. Overall, the council balanced the objections with the potential community benefits in granting planning permission.