Use of 351-355 Byres Road

There is a proposal for the empty units on Byres Road, a shop and an office, between 351-355 Byres Road to become a coffee shop. 

A planning application reference number 14/00553/DC is seeking a change of use of the shop units from Class 1 (retail) and Class 2 (office) to coffee shop and ancillary retail (Sui Generis mixed use Class 1 and Class 3). It is seeking to provide premises for Caffe Nero with “tables and chairs providing seating for approximately 42 customers”. In addition, the proposed operation states that “around 30% of the trade of a Caffè Nero unit is Class 1 (i.e. the sale
of drinks and sandwiches for consumption off the premises) and 70% Class 3 (i.e. consumption on the premises).

351-355 Byres Road

I have submitted an objection as a recent survey identified the shortfall in both Class 1 retail and in Class 1 shops selling things other than prepared food and drink. In addition, there is clearly no qualitative or quantitative shortfall in coffee shops in Byres Road and it is not appropriate for these premises to be converted in to class 3 or sui generis premises in this prime retail area.

The applicant's lack of awareness of the importance of promoting the heritage of the area is a concern. The application has not taken in to consideration the specific policy of DES 3 - Protecting and Enhancing the City’s Historic Environment. The planning statement indicates that “Proposals relating to external alterations such as the shop front and the display of advertisements and signage do not form part of the current proposals, and will be the subject of future applications.” 

This proposal will not safeguard the polished black stone shop fronts at 351 — 355 Byres Road which are of historic significance. The two units have shop fronts which are examples of a few remaining coherent and original sections of shop fronts in Byres Road, dating from the original design of the 1930s. It should be noted that these shop fronts are intrinsic to the design of the tenement building that they form part of.

As a prominent part of the important fabric of Byres Road’s retail history, it is essential that any future use for the shop units at 351 - 355 Byres Road, preserves or enhances their unique character, and the design features of this part of the Glasgow West Conservation Area.