Melody Cafe Outdoor 'Gazebo' Taken Down

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The covered structure is removed from the outside dining area at Bedford Corner cafe

The owner of Melody cafe on Bedford Corner, South Parade, has taken down the controversial outdoor gazebo.

Ealing Council had previously turned down a retrospective application by the cafe owner to retain a covered eating area outside his premises.

The outside tables and chairs remain and umbrellas may be put up on sunny days to provide shade for diners.

Owner Mohammad Zarzour had not initially applied to Ealing Council for planning permission for the 'gazebo' situated on a privately-owned patch of land outside the cafe, when he opened last summer. He said he was not aware at the time that he needed to apply for permission and that when he discovered this, he immediately submitted it.

It drew mixed local reaction, with some saying they believed it was out of character in a Conservation Area, while others said it was a welcome addition to an area that needed to be revitalised. The Bedford Park Society opposed it.

When they turned down the application, Ealing Council commented that the structure failed to integrate architecturally with the scale and proportions of the original shop front and was incongruous and detrimental to the character of the conservation area.

Mr. Zarzour was faced with either appealing the Council's decision, or taking the structure down altogether to comply with Ealing's regulations.

Melody cafe offers a range of dishes from breakfasts, to sandwiches and salads as well as hot food throughout the day and into the evening. Mr. Zarzour organised a free dinner for people living alone last Christmas Day.

The outdoor gazebo when it was installed.

June 21, 2017