Camden City Council rejected the application for a roof terrace at the Grafton in Kentish Town in January last year, claiming that it would lead to noise and disturbance and would “detract from the look of the building and the look of the local area”.
However, following publication of the story in the Publican’s Morning Advertiser and support from more than 1,500 local residents and customers, the planning inspectorate has overturned the decision.
Inspector Nigel McGurk concluded that the pro-posed terrace would provide an “attractive, interesting, sympathetically-designed area entirely in keeping with the pub’s existing features, its commercial requirements, and its status as a gathering place”.
He added that there was “significant evidence” that demonstrated the pub’s highly-regarded status among the local community and the development would help “the economic sustainability of the pub”.
He also said that due to the pub’s long-established use in an area among other “commercial activities”, some levels of noise and disturbance were to be expected in and around the pub, but added a condition stating that the terrace must not be used after 9pm.
'Very pleased'
Susie Clarke, co-director of the Grafton, said: “We’re incredibly excited. The fact the inspector agreed with every point we put across in the appeal vindicated us and we’re very pleased. We are truly in love with this place.
“This promises to be a truly fantastic summer at the Grafton. We’re thinking lazy brunches, barbecues, pop-up outdoor bars, al fresco film nights and long boozy afternoons in the sun.”
She added that the terrace has been designed to incorporate acoustic glazing and dense planting around the perimeter to limit noise and features a retractable awning and outdoor heating.
A celebratory rooftop launch party has been planned for the weekend of 31 May. Texas Joe, who won backing on Dragons’ Den for his beef jerky, will be manning a barbecue while staff from Hawkes Alcoholic Ginger Beer will be mixing cocktails.