Let's have more alfresco dining in St Ives

Congratulations to the Alfresco Restaurant which looks set to get permission to expand its seating by using part of the pedestrian area outside the restaurant for tables and chairs, according to a report in this week's St Ives Times & Echo.

District councillors are due to make a decision on Tuesday. County Highways have not objected but have suggested a solid barrier rather than the proposed rope barrier.

Last month St Ives Town Council objected (of course) fearing it would somehow make life more difficult for pedestrians along the Wharf and that a precedent would be set. But in a report, Penwith planners say that there would still be enough space for pedestrians since there would be just two tables with four chairs. Penwith also dismissed the precedent objection.

The report says,

"Given the variety of shop fronts, awnings and signage which characterise the Wharf, the proposal is not considered to be intrusive and an outdoor seating area is not out of keeping with this seaside town."

Exactly. Indeed, The St Ivean hopes a precedent has been set. Although, as the report points out, there are limited opportunities for such developments through lack of space in front of shops, more outside seating will add to the colour and vibrancy of the town.