Southampton: Rooftop bar is coming to Oxford Street restaurant

An application relating to the former Kuti's Brasserie at 37-39 Oxford Street was refused by the city council in May amid fears the bar would generate too much noise.

Now a revised scheme that includes acoustic screens and other measures has received the green light.

A planning statement that accompanied the application said the terrace would be occupied only until 11pm, and music volumes would be controlled using a sound-limiting system.

"These measures will aid the reduction of noise disturbance and provide significant screening between patrons and the nearest residential properties."

Plans to upgrade the former Kuti's Brasserie in Oxford Street by adding a rooftop terrace have been approved (Image: Kode Architecture)

The application does not reference what the theme of the restaurant would be or what type of food and drinks it would serve.

A council report said Oxford Street was unique in the sense that nighttime uses were nestled among a residential community.

"Environmental health previously had concerns regarding noise disturbance associated with the creation of the roof terrace bar and considered that the noise impact would adversely affect the amenity of nearby residents.

"The closest residential properties are the neighbouring flats at 40 Oxford Street. There are also flats on the opposite side of the street.

"Following the refusal of the previous application the applicant's representatives met the council’s environmental health officer and, as a consequence, specific design changes to the roof terrace have been agreed to manage the impacts to an acceptable level."

READ MORE: Red flag for plan to upgrade former Kuti's Brasserie by adding rooftop terrace

The report said environmental health no longer feared that the noise generated by the rooftop bar would adversely affect the lives of nearby residents.

Oxford Street is a mixture of pubs, restaurants, and flats (Image: Newsquest.)

The three-storey property, which has been vacant for some time following a fire, is being refurbished by the applicant.

The report said the proposed development would benefit the local economy by bringing an empty building back into use and thus increasing the range of entertainment facilities.

It added: "Overall, the mitigation measures identified are considered adequate to overcome the previous reason for refusal."

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The City of Southampton Society had objected to the application.

It said: "We strongly suspect the premises will solely be used as a drinking establishment and as such will be contrary to the ambiance of Oxford Street, which is predominately restaurants."

But ward councillor Sarah Bogle wrote a letter of support after visiting the property.

She said: "This building has been empty for several years and bringing it back into use will be beneficial for the overall look and feel of Oxford Street."