Pear Tree Cafe, Battersea Park, 2023/4553

Overall we welcome this application. Further toilet facilities in this area are desirable, and the design of the proposed extension should blend in tactfully enough with the existing building.

We note however that this scheme doesn't address the surrounding landscaping, beyond providing a strip of new hard standing to match what already exists alongside the new extension. As its own Planning Statement acknowledges [section 06] turf in this area has already been reduced to mud by those seeking a shortcut between the Carriage Drive and the café. We would therefore like to see a review of the café's surrounding area form part of these works, in consultation with Enable Parks and with a financial contribution if appropriate from the applicants. New plantings (whether in the ground or in containers) could perhaps appropriately be introduced to help route visitors, to improve the appearance of the area, and to enhance its biodiversity. If further paths or hard areas are needed, these should be permeable/ SUDs compliant.

We note too that the new toilet block will have external access only, and according to the Planning Statement [section 06] is intended for use by park visitors, with café visitors continuing to use the toilets already provided inside that facility. What will the new block's opening hours be? Who will be cleaning and maintaining it?

Finally, we would ask if the work might be brought forward. A November-December 2024 schedule is given in the application form, but given that the works will have minimal impact on the operation of the café [Planning Statement, 03] it would be good to see the toilets in operation this summer. If this is not possible, we trust that the Pear Tree is not planning to hold further live music evenings or similar events this summer, given the 'wild toileting' nuisance these created last year.