An exciting new chapter begins tonight for Cheltenham hotel and restaurant No.131.
At a Cheltenham Borough Council planning committee meeting this evening, councillors gave the thumbs up to Julian Dunkerton's vision for a permanent structure for the outdoor terrace.
In his argument to councillors Julian said: 'More than 2,000 people signed a petition [and 100 letters in support of the application] to say that they wanted this to happen, so there was overwhelming public support for my proposals.
'I didn't invest £18 million in 131 because I wanted to make a load of money, I did it to create a wonderful environment for hospitality in Cheltenham.'
The proposals were initially rejected, with planning officers stating: 'The form, design, scale and overall appearance the proposed development would harm the setting of the listed buildings and the character and appearance of the wider conservation area.
'As such, the proposals would neither sustain or enhance the significance of the designated heritage assets.
'The proposed development is considered unacceptable in principle and, if approved, could set an undesirable precedent for inappropriate development elsewhere within the historic environment.'
What followed was a debate where arguments were made for and against the proposals, taking place for just over an hour.
Councillor Frank Allen said: 'The preservation of these buildings is fundamentally important to our town and preservation can only continue [from a financial standpoint] if these proposals are approved.'
While councillor Simon Wheeler argued: 'These are iconic buildings and it wouldn't feel right to hide their light under a bushel.'
Councillor Paul Baker said: 'Grade II-listed buildings represent 5.8 per cent of all listed buildings in the UK. That's how important and valuable these buildings are.
'If we approved these plans, we would lose the frontage of these buildings forever.'
The approved design features a slim, unobtrusive metal pergola with a retractable roof.
Julian thanked councillors before leaving and said: 'I will make it work for Cheltenham and this wouldn't be possible without you voting the way that you did.'
