A number of residents have told us of their concerns about the new shisha bar “Monte Cristo” which has opened at 56-58 Fortune Green Road; in particular, that owners did not obtain planning permission before opening.
We have written to the Council to investigate the position further, and we have been informed that the shisha bar (and associated building works) does not have planning permission, nor does it have a licence to sell alcohol.
As a result of these complaints, the Council has opened an enforcement case and is deciding whether to take further action.
If you have been affected by the opening of the shisha bar, it is important to write into the Council to share your concerns. In particular:
1. The shisha bar is inappropriate in a residential area. There are flats above the bar and family properties in nearby Burrard Road, Achilles Road, Ajax Road, and Ulysses Road.
2. There are a large number of outside seats which is encouraging large groups of customers to gather together and cause noise and disturbance to the neighbourhood into the early hours of the morning.
3. Parking is becoming even more difficult, as the nearby roads are all de-restricted in the evenings. This is already a serious problem as it is, but the shisha bar is making the problem even worse.
Please send any comments you have to:
Benjamin Vickers, Planning Officer
Appeals & Enforcement Team
London Borough of Camden
Camden Town Hall Extension Argyle Street London WC1H 8ND
020 7974 1573
We will continue to bring residents’ concerns to the Council, and will keep you informed of progress.
Andrew Parkinson, Ian Cohen, Tom Smith