Shish Meze restaurant extension and refurbishment proposed

Shish Meze, in Berther Road, has submitted a planning application for a range of refurbishment works, including a new front extension, the removal of a mezzanine floor and revised customer seating.

It is the second set of plans for improvements at the restaurant, after Havering Council refused a proposal for a front conservatory extension in February.

At the time, the planning officer concluded the increased floor area and number of covers would lead to "increased comings and goings", and exacerbate "existing parking stress".

However, agent Sayar Design said the new proposal has been "specifically redesigned" to address these concerns, improving the appearance and operation of Shish Meze "without increasing the overall intensity" of the restaurant use.

The mezzanine floor inside the restaurant is therefore planned to be removed in its entirety, which, along with changes to the seating layout, will reduce capacity overall by two covers.

The revised proposal also features four on-site parking spaces and cycle spaces to combat transport concerns.

The design and access statement said: "A key objective of the revised design has been to provide a permanent and well-integrated extension which respects the character of the existing building.

"The previous scheme was perceived as creating a substantial increase in customer accommodation.

"The current proposal has instead focused on improving the quality, functionality and appearance of the existing frontage.

"Whilst a front extension is proposed, the removal of the mezzanine floor more than offsets any additional seating provided within the extension".

Havering Council is expected to make a decision on the plans by August 13.