JD Wetherspoon withdraws plan for Largs pub outdoor seats

JD Wetherspoon lodged an application with North Ayrshire Council last month seeking permission for outdoor seating, featuring 10 tables and 20 chairs, on the prom outside The Paddle Steamer.

It was the pub giant's third attempt in recent years to secure permission for outdoor seating at the venue.

But like the previous two applications, this one ran into strong opposition from locals.

A similar application was rejected by the local authority in 2019.

The company made its first attempt to secure planning permission in 2017 when it was seeking permission for 10 tables and 40 chairs.

Those were withdrawn after sparking protests from residents, leading to the scaled-back application being lodged two years later.

Largs Community Council had led opposition to all of the proposals, raising concern that it would further narrow the width of the prom at what is already its narrowest point.

North Coast Conservative councillor Tom Marshall, a former head of the council's planning committee in North Ayrshire, had previously expressed his opposition to Wetherspoons' plans.

Reacting to the withdrawal of the company's latest application, Cllr Marshall said: "Common sense has prevailed.

"I welcome the decision by Wetherspoons to withdraw this application. It does not make sense at all to narrow the width of the prom in this way, and would have ended up making the prom totally congested.

Cllr Tom Marshall says common sense has prevailed (Image: North Ayrshire Conservatives)

"Wetherspoons already have an outside drinking area which already has planning permission and is licensed and well used.

"Anything more than that is overkill."

The latest application said that the furniture would be placed on the prom outside the pub between 8am and 10pm.

However, during spells of harsh and wet weather the furniture would remain indoors.

The application also said the tables and chairs would not be put out during periods of greater footfall, such as during the Largs Viking Festival.

Five years ago, when the previous plans were lodged, Largs Community Council (LCC) said they suspected the pub chain was looking to provide an outdoor smoking area.

The latest proposals from Wetherspoon's would have seen the area of the prom available to the public reduced by around a metre in width, with the pub seating area enclosed by canvas barriers.

A supporting statement submitted alongside the latest application stated: "During periods of clement weather it is customer preference to sit with a drink and or/meal outside, and the additional seating will provide this option to a greater clientele of the Paddle Steamer. 

"Particularly with being a seaside town, and the wonderful views offered at this location, there is always a greater demand to sit outside."

A JD Wetherspoons spokesperson said: "The company has withdrawn its planning application for external seating at the Paddle Steamer in Largs due to objections regarding possible congestion along the promenade. We will review the objections but do not, at this stage, intend to re-apply."