Restaurant riverside extension branded flood risk

A restaurant's new riverside dining area has been described as "excessive" and by a planning officer and a "flood risk" by the Environment Agency.

Early last year, the owner of the Persian Palace in Caversham, Berkshire, applied for retrospective permission for a covered seating area containing 12 tables for guests and access to the restaurant.

However, the dining area had already been built without permission.

An assessment by Reading Borough Council judged that the new structure did not fit in with its surroundings.

The Environment Agency also objected, stating that it presented an "unacceptable" flood risk, and a more detailed flood risk assessment was required.

It also faced opposition from the Caversham and District Residents Association, which also raised concerns about flooding.

Helen Lambert, the chair of the association, wrote: "In addition to the concern over a river structure being constructed without any permissions, the retrospective application clearly does not represent the structure in place.

"This is not a terrace and canopy, but an enclosed structure which clearly impedes the flow of the river when river levels are high.

"It also places additional pressure on the historic Caversham Bridge."

Planning officer Steve Vigar wrote: "The development by reason of its excessive scale, inappropriate form, unsympathetic materials and finishes and prominent sitting projecting into the river, relates poorly to the host building and adjacent bridge and appears as a discordant and piecemeal addition to the building facade.

"This unsatisfactory arrangement is harmful to the appearance of the site itself, harmful to the open character of the River Thames at this location and harmful to views upstream from Caversham Bridge."

The covered seating area remains in place pending negotiations between the business owner and the council.

The owner has been issued with an enforcement notice, which typically requests that any buildings constructed without permission be taken down.

An appeal has been launched against the notice.

The Persian Palace could not be reached for comment.

It has been trading since about 2019, after taking over from the former Pimilico nightclub after a long vacancy.

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