A St Andrews restaurant has had its bid to make its outdoor seating area permanent rejected by councillors.
Little Italy in Logie’s Lane has been allowed to serve customers outside during Covid-19 restrictions under temporary measures aimed at helping businesses during the pandemic.
North East Planning Committee narrowly voted against making the arrangement permanent after concerns were raised about congestion along the narrow street.
Liberal Democrat councillor Bill Porteous, who had supported the restaurant’s application, said: “I’m very disappointed to see the plans for outside seating and tables refused when our hospitality sector and jobs, often for young people, are at risk.”
The proposal was refused despite council planners recommending approval, stating the seating area would not give rise to any residential amenity concerns and would not obstruct the movement of pedestrians.
Six councillors voted in favour of the plans and six voted for refusal. Liberal Democrat councillor Donald Lothian, the committee’s convener, used his casting vote to reject the proposal.
The Royal Burgh of St Andrews Community Council had objected on the grounds of road safety and public amenity, and highlighted the fact the lane is just 16ft wide.
Gregory Newman from the community council wrote in the objection letter: “Logie’s Lane cannot be treated in the same way as a normal road as the remaining footpath directly adjoins residential properties.
“Furthermore, the layout of the tables mean that waiters have to use the remaining footpath to serve food.”
The community council said a nearby premises had also established an outdoor seating area during Covid-19 restrictions.
“Passing pedestrians have to negotiate a chicane, crossing the lane from one side to the other between these sets of tables.
“This is inconvenient for everyone, causing bunching, but dangerous for the visually impaired.”
In its objection letter, the community council delved into the history of Logie’s Lane.
“Logie’s Lane runs from Church Square to join Market Street beside the former Star Hotel. It is of great antiquity, probably dating from the 15th century and is certainly shown on the Geddes Map of 1580.
“The residential properties on each side of the narrow wynd were B-listed in 1973.”
Liberal Democrat councillor Tim Brett, who voted against the application, said: “There were positive arguments, that this would create a European feel for people to eat and drink outside. It was extremely finely balanced.”
