To Whom It May Concern,
I wish to lodge an objection to the proposed Development Application for alterations and additions to the shop at 57 Helen Street, Sefton, including the introduction of outdoor seating.
I am a neighbouring resident/business operator in close proximity to the site. I am concerned that the proposal will have negative impacts on safety, traffic, parking availability, and general amenity for surrounding properties.
Parking in the area is already limited and frequently at capacity. The addition of outdoor seating is likely to increase customer numbers and vehicle movements, resulting in parking overflow and illegal parking, including vehicles blocking access points, driveways, and service areas. This creates safety risks and ongoing inconvenience for nearby residents and businesses.
There are also serious pedestrian safety concerns, as there is no designated footpath or safe pedestrian access from the rear or alleyway areas. Increased use of these areas by customers would place pedestrians in direct conflict with vehicle movements in spaces not designed for shared use.
In addition, increased traffic through the rear alleyway is likely to cause congestion and raise safety concerns, particularly as this area is regularly used for deliveries, waste collection, and access by neighbouring properties.
Outdoor seating may also contribute to increased noise and disturbance, particularly during evening hours, affecting the amenity and quiet enjoyment of nearby properties.
Given these concerns, I respectfully request that Council carefully assess the impacts of this proposal and either refuse the application or impose strict conditions, including limitations on outdoor seating, operating hours, and effective traffic and parking management measures.
Thank you for considering this submission.
Yours sincerely,
Concerned Neighbour
