An upcoming Mediterranean restaurant in Bracknell has been blocked from opening at later hours.
A new Mediterranean restaurant set to open in Bracknell has been denied late-night hours.
Raham Fard plans to transform the pizza takeaway at Rectory Row in Easthampstead into Feta & Fig and applied for a licence to operate from 6am to 2am on Fridays and Saturdays, and until midnight on other days.
However, local residents raised concerns about the potential noise during those late hours, leading to a council meeting where a panel of three councillors reviewed the application.
Tensa Campbell, a resident, expressed her worries, stating, "I’m not against the application, but the hours, particularly midnight to 2am, are concerning. As a parent of a child with autism, sleep is rare for us. We need to consider mental health impacts on families here."
Dale Riley, another neighbour, added, "Delivery noise is disruptive. We can hear crates being slammed around 3-4am, which is unbearable."
Mr Fard defended his application, explaining he rarely expects to use the late hours, emphasising the need for operational flexibility based on his experience running a takeaway for two decades.
Ultimately, the council panel rejected the request on September 15, limiting Feta & Fig's closing time to 11pm. However, the decision leaves room for Mr Fard to reapply if future demand and concerns are addressed.
He also retains the option to appeal the decision.
James Aldridge, Local Democracy Reporter
