The Strand

THE Covent Garden Community Association has objected to plans to open a new “pub” on the Strand close to Trafalgar Square.

Allvest Company Ltd wants to turn the upper and lower ground floor of a seven-storey building into a 40-staffed drinking venue with outdoor seating.

The two floors are currently empty but they were last leased to a bakery and a clothes shop.

“The Covent Garden Community Association, Northbank BID and local residents raise strong objections to the principle of a public house in this location,” a report said.

“No social benefit, the proposed development is not a service that the community needs,” said a summary of the association’s objection, which focused on the impact on residents in Craven Street.

Allvest’s operation management plan said it wanted, “to minimise disturbance to local residents, and demonstrate the intention of protecting all who live, work or otherwise utilise the surrounding area of the venue”.

The Northbank Business Improvement District objected to the proposals and warned of a lack of consultation and an unacceptable loss of retail space.

Westminster City Council officers are recommending the proposal be approved by the planning committee on Tuesday.