Indian restaurant has community “under siege” from noise (From Bournemouth Echo)

Indian restaurant Cinammon Lounge has Verwood community “under siege” from noise

4:00pm Monday 4th February 2013 in News

WOODLANDS residents were left frustrated after district councillors failed to reach a decision about a “noisy” Indian restaurant in the village.

The owners of Cinnamon Lounge in Verwood Road have applied to extend their opening hours and allow food and drink to be served on an outside decking area, among other things, with the application heard at East Dorset District Council’s planning committee.

However, some locals have said the restaurant has become a source of much distress since it changed ownership in summer 2012, and noise is now a significant problem.

It was also alleged in the meeting that the new proprietors have flouted an original set of planning conditions given when the premises first opened in 2004.

Mark Hall, who lives nearby, said: “In direct contravention of planning, the Cinnamon Lounge constructed 700 square feet of decking.

“They unlawfully advertised and extended opening hours.

"They proceeded to serve alcohol and food on the said deck and played loud live music until the early hours of the morning with the outside car park becoming a makeshift disco and social drinking area.

"In granting retention of the decked area along with the track record of the Cinnamon Lounge in non-compliance with planning conditions, I fear that you will condemn the community to Woodlands and their families to a life under siege.”

Resident Roy Plowman said: “We urge the committee to stand by the original planning conditions of March 2004, which has served the residents of Woodlands very well.”

District councillor Derek Burt said he would vote against the planning application, which was deferred.