Plans for new structures outside No.131 Promenade will be discussed by Cheltenham Borough Council's Planning Committee this week (February 13).

The Lucky Onion LLP, owned by Superdry founder and CEO Julian Dunkerton, has submitted plans for two separate alternatives to the controversial marquees outside the popular hotel, restaurant and bar.

The two options are a glazed structure or metal-framed pergola structure outside the hospitality venue at 125 to 133 Promenade.

In addition, The Lucky Onion has applied to the council for permission to install solar panels to the roofs of the Grade II* listed 125, 127 and 133 Promenade and the removal of an existing conservatory to the side of 133.

In advising committee members on their decision, council officers said: "Although the two applications have been submitted concurrently and the matters for consideration are similar, they will need to be determined separately and on their individual merits.

"A decision should not be taken simply on an either/ or basis or which scheme is preferred. These are stand-alone applications, and both may be considered acceptable or unacceptable, for example."

Officers are recommending that the two planning applications be refused.

A total of 168 representations were received by the council in response to the planning application. Representations of support came from members of the public, including customers and of No. 131 Promenade, employees of No. 131 and suppliers to the business.

Comments of support include:

• The design of the proposed structures complements the architectural design of the existing buildings

• A lovely outdoor space without taking away from the beautiful Regency architecture of the original building

• Investment like this is needed within the town centre

• This is a destination venue which should be allowed to continue. 131 is a flagship venue that contributes significantly to Cheltenham's late-night dining and nightlife economy

But Historic England, the Georgian Group, Cheltenham Civic Society (CCS) and Cheltenham's Architects Panel have raised objection to both applications.

Andrew Booton, chair of CCS, said: "We are particularly pleased that the officers' recommendation sides with all of the main objections. However, the final decision will actually be made by the members of CBC's Planning Committee at their meeting next Thursday. There is still a risk that they could fall for the charms of Lucky Onion's PR campaign and ignore their own officers' strong recommendation of refusal."

The council's conservation officer said: "The proposals represent an unprecedented form of development within the curtilages of Grade II* listed buildings in Cheltenham.

"The proposed development is close to resulting in 'substantial harm,' but in heritage terms, this threshold is high, and no historic fabric would be harmed. As such, the upper end scale of 'less than substantial harm' is considered appropriate in relation to the impact on setting."

But, as Julian Dunkerton told Punchline-Gloucester.com back in October, the structures are essential for the long-term viability of the business. 

The Lucky Onion said the year-round capacity of the covered terrace space generates over 50% of 131's revenues from dining and drinking. Removing this would necessitate making 62 staff immediately redundant - and threaten further job losses amongst the 100 or more people employed at 131 and those within the supply chain, due to the risk to its viability overall.

And it said No.131 supports more business in the local area:

• Spending with local suppliers increased by £820,264 post marquees

• 131 offers a unique experience and is a 'pull' in terms of visitor numbers and spend to the local economy

• The advantages to the vitality of the town, the activity and ambience created around this part of town are all significant benefits

Council officers acknowledged: "Both proposed schemes would maintain this level of trade for the business, contributing to the overall viability and vitality and retail/ leisure and accommodation offer within the town centre. As such, the proposals provide some economic and social benefits to the wider public and town centre economy."

But they added: "The town centre offers a wide range of alternative catering facilities and hotel accommodation. The proposed development, on its own, is not considered to be essential to maintain the viability/ vitality of the town centre economy."

The Planning Committee will make its decision on the future of No.131 on Thursday (February 13).

Mark Owen, editor of Punchline-Gloucester.com, said: "Having met and interviewed Julian and having interviewed many hospitality business owners over the past few years, it's pretty obvious that the hospitality sector is going through a very tough time.

"I do agree that the structure outside No. 131 needs to change, but common sense must have its day. To my mind, there are 100 jobs at stake here. Julian isn't messing around. He's an astute businessman who has closed other hospitality businesses when they aren't working. He might love and back Cheltenham, but there is only so far that will go if 131 doesn't wash its face.

"I fear that the Planning Committee will be throwing the baby out with the bathwater if they stop this planning application from going ahead. Punchline has no skin in the game here, other than supporting local business. No. 131 buys its products from local suppliers, so any change to the business will have a knock-on effect on other local businesses. The committee has to let this planning application go through."

Temporary marquees were installed outside No. 131 during the Covid pandemic, when planning rules were relaxed to allow businesses to continue to trade safely. The rules came to an end in September 2022 and The Lucky Onion was instructed to remove the temporary structures. It has had two planning applications to keep the structures turned down.

An Enforcement Notice, requiring the removal of the marquees, was served by the council in January 2024. The Lucky Onion lodged an appeal against it and the appeal decision is still awaited.