Restaurants / News
Restaurant owners ‘thrilled’ in conclusion of lengthy planning battle
The founders of a Cotham Hill restaurant say they are “thrilled” with the outcome of a lengthy battle for planning permission.
The owners of Bravas tapas have been undergoing a highly-followed planning application to secure the future of their outdoor seating since August 2025.
In a Planning committee B meeting on Tuesday evening, councillors voted in favour of the application, resulting in a victory for the restaurant team.
The outdoor seating at Bravas has been under threat due to planning disputes – photo: Ania Zawislan
In a statement during the meeting, Green councillor for Cotham Guy Poultney called for cross-party support for the application.
He said: “It’s very easy to say that we support local independent businesses.
“It’s very easy to say that we support sustainable growth, or that we want ethical procurement, decent pay or job creation.
“It’s not always easy to say that businesses benefit from pedestrianisation, but here we have an example of a business that took the risk.”
Bravas founder Kieran Waite demonstrated to emergency services that the seating met access requirements – photo: Yuliia Lipakova
One of the main justifications for council officers recommending refusal of Bravas’ planning application was to ensure access for emergency service vehicles.
It was revealed on Tuesday that Avon Fire and Rescue, who had previously objected to the application, had withdrawn their statement.
In a written statement, a spokesperson for Avon Fire and Rescue commented: “Following a re-visit to Cotham Hill yesterday, I can confirm that the owner of Bravas restaurant has demonstrated a width of 3.7m in the roadway immediately outside of their premises, adjacent to the structure in place.
“I can therefore no longer object to this width not being present, as this was the primary reason for the previously lodged objection.”
Fabrian Breckels, the Labour councillor for St George and Troopers Hill, said that this withdrawal significantly affected the discussion of the planning application.
“This strikes me as one of those cases where decisions seem to be made to refuse planning permission regardless even when the evidence changes and it’s not a good look because it makes the council look petty and vindictive,” he said.
Councillor Fabian Breckels said the case risked making the council look “petty and vindictive” – photo: Bristol City Council
“Avon Fire and Rescue have withdrawn their objection because they accept that the width of the road is wide enough, and that should have been the end of the matter.
“Post Covid, post Brexit and after 14 years of austerity life is still tough for businesses and we need to be doing all we can to support them, not throwing obstacles in their way.
“We need to be letting genies out of the lamps, not welding the lamps shut.”
Ani Townsend, Green councillor for Bristol Central, believed it was “wild” that the decision-making process had been drawn out.
Green councillor Ani Townsend moved to approve the planning application with no conditions – photo: Bristol City Council
“Using the public realm for uses such as this in order to cultivate a thriving high street is our desired outcome for the city,” they added.
Upon voting, all councillors declined to second the officer recommendation of refusing planning permission.
Instead, planning officers suggested conditions, including maintenance and upkeep requirements, which Bravas owners would have to follow if planning permission was granted.
However, Townsend moved to approve the planning application as applied for, which was quickly seconded by members from both Green and Labour.
Eight councillors voted in favour of Townsend’s motion, with chair of the committee and Labour councillor for Avonmouth and Lawrence Weston Don Alexander abstaining.
The seating outside Bravas secures eight jobs for local people, says owner Kieran Waite – photo: Yuliia Lipakova
Speaking to Bristol24/7, Bravas co-founder Kieran Waite said that the decision “means the world to our team and to the community that has backed us.”
“We’ve been part of Cotham Hill for 14 years and this terrace has become part of how people use the street,” he continued.
“We’ve always said safety comes first and we’ll keep doing our part, responsibly and transparently, to keep access clear and the street welcoming.
“It was good to see local democracy working, with councillors across the political spectrum making a fair, evidence-based decision.”
Main photo: Season and Taste
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