Bristol tapas restaurant Bravas wins right to keep outside seating

Bravas secured approval from Bristol City Council's planning committee to retain its outdoor terrace after Avon Fire & Rescue withdrew its objection and about 1,200 people backed the application.

Bravas, a family-owned tapas restaurant on Cotham Hill in Bristol, won planning permission to keep its outdoor terrace after councillors overturned planning officers' recommendation. The committee approved the application by eight votes to nil, with one abstention, and members of the public applauded in the gallery. Avon Fire & Rescue withdrew an earlier objection after re-measuring the street and finding the available width adequate by about one metre. The case attracted strong public interest and large numbers of written submissions in support. Key facts: - The planning committee approved the application by 8 votes in favour, 0 against, with one abstention. - Avon Fire & Rescue initially objected over emergency access but reversed its objection after an on-site re-measure found more space than previously stated. - About 1,200 people submitted support for Bravas's bid, making it one of the city's most supported planning applications. - Planning officers had recommended refusal on grounds including the earlier fire service objection, potential hindrance to underground utilities and street cleaning, and possible conflict between cyclists and pedestrians, and they described the terrace as a permanent structure. - The council's highways team had issued an enforcement notice in October ordering removal of the structure, which was paused when officers became aware a planning application was under way; Bravas still requires a separate pavement licence from highways to trade outside. Summary: The committee decision allows Bravas to retain its outdoor terrace and was described by the restaurant's co-founder as securing the future of the business and jobs it supports. Further approval is still needed from the council's highways authority through a pavement licence before the terrace can continue to be used for trading outside. Local councillors and public supporters said the outcome reflected strong community backing for the use of public space.