By Carmelo Garcia – Local Democracy Reporter
Work to install a white pergola to provide cover for outdoor seating at Julian Dunkerton’s Number 131 in the Promenade is expected to begin in the summer as extra tents have been installed for Cheltenham Festival.
The controversial white marquees outside the luxury boutique hotel and restaurant replaced parasols in October 2020 as a temporary measure to facilitate outside dining during the coronavirus pandemic.
However, after the relaxation rules ended, initial proposals to keep the structures for a further two years outside the grade-II* listed 131 and 133 were rejected by the Borough Council in November 2022.
This decision was upheld by a planning inspector during the summer in 2023 and the council began enforcement action which is currently the subject of an outstanding appeal with the Planning Inspectorate.
Plans for for a slim, metal pergola with a retractable roof outside 131 were approved in February last year.
But there is concern in the spa town that the marquees which have been dubbed as “tatty tents” by objectors are still in situ.
Cheltenham Civic Society Chairman Andrew Booton said: “We recognise the importance of the hospitality sector to Cheltenham’s economy, but the continued presence of the tents at 131 The Promenade remains a clear matter of public interest.
“The tents were permitted only as a short-term measure, and their retention – years after Covid restrictions ended – places private commercial benefit ahead of the appearance of the Conservation Area and its Grade II* listed buildings.
“More than a year ago, Lucky Onion was granted consent for a permanent replacement that was intended to provide a better outcome for customers, neighbours and the wider area. Lucky Onion should now proceed with removing the tents and completing that scheme, demonstrating its responsibility to the character, appearance and long-term wellbeing of the place on which its success ultimately depends.”
A spokesperson for No 131 told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that the intention remains to replace the existing marquees with a permanent structure.
However, they say the timetable for that work has been affected by a number of factors, including planning and logistical considerations, and as a result the construction did not begin in January as originally anticipated.
In the meantime, additional marquees have been installed on a temporary basis to accommodate the increased demand during race week, they said.
“As with all hospitality establishments during this busy week, we need to accommodate the significant influx of visitors,” a spokesperson said.
“The additional tents allow us to provide appropriate cover in case of poor weather and to support the extra facilities required, including additional toilets.
“These tents are strictly temporary and will all be removed in the week following Cheltenham [Festival].
“With regard to the permanent structure, we have been waiting for final bids through the tender process and currently expect the build to begin in June.
“We remain committed to progressing the plans for the new structure and will continue to keep the relevant authorities informed as required.”
Cheltenham Borough Council says there remains no update regarding the enforcement case for the marquees at 131.
They said the Planning Inspectorate is still dealing with the appeal against the Enforcement Notice which required the unauthorised tents to be removed, and the enforcement notice is suspended until the appeal is determined.
Currently, the Borough Council has no power to take further action until the appeal has been determined and dismissed.