NEARLY 1,000 people have backed restaurant Bravas in its efforts to retain outdoor seating in Cotham Hill.
Bravas was ordered by the city council’s highways team to dismantle its terrace but has won a stay of execution while a planning application is determined.
The restaurant was served with an enforcement notice to remove the covered area, which “appears to have been erected on the public highway without lawful authority” and to be an “obstruction”.
The notice said: “Bravas’s recent application for a pavement licence to trade outside has been refused owing to the structure not being approvable.”
It was served just four days after the Local Democracy Reporting Service revealed the restaurant had reapplied for planning permission following a refusal in July.
At the time of publication on September 26, Bristol City Council’s planning portal showed the restaurant had support from 19 people with four against. Since then, the plan, (ref 25/13723/F) has ballooned to almost 1,000 supporters, with less than 50 objections to the seating’s retention.
Bravas installed 12 tables on two terraces during the lockdown in 2021 as part of the drive to encourage a cafe culture and social distancing, shortly after bollards and planters were installed to shut the hill to traffic.
It has had no complaints since then, but planning officers rejected the establishment’s application three months ago on the grounds of inadequate space for emergency vehicles and an adverse impact on the local conservation area’s character and appearance.
Bravas co-founder Kieran Waite said: “We’re relieved and grateful that enforcement has been paused. It’s absolutely the right decision, and we’re especially appreciative that Shaun Taylor, the head of highways, personally stepped in. His willingness to meet in person and engage in open, constructive dialogue has been refreshing, and we hope that spirit can continue.
“The pause also shows that there was never an urgent safety risk. In five years, there hasn’t been a single recorded accident or injury on Cotham Hill, and the emergency services formally consulted on our application raised no objection.
“It’s always been difficult to understand how new public safety concerns could justify urgent enforcement action particularly when it puts local jobs at risk and runs against the clear will of the community.
“The public response has been remarkable, with over 1,000 comments on our planning application, almost all in support. It feels like a small but important win for common sense.”
However, even if planning permission is granted, the restaurant could be refused a licence to trade outdoors.
Mr Waite said: “We want to work with the council to find a practical solution, but we need clarity, fairness, and consistency in the process. Our only aim is to keep contributing to a thriving, people-friendly neighbourhood in a way that’s safe, sustainable, and respectful of the important work the council does.”
The council’s transport and connectivity committee chairman Cllr Ed Plowden said: “The council will not be taking any action in relation to the highways enforcement notice until a decision on the planning application is made. Planning permission and highways enforcement are different processes using different legislation. As both apply in this case, I encourage the restaurant owners to work with highways officers, who have reached out to find a solution on many occasions, whilst the planning process takes place to explore the options available.”
By Alex Seabrook, Local Democracy Reporting Service