News / St Pauls
Fate of Lakota to be sealed over Zoom
A much-loved piece of Bristol’s nightlife could have its fate sealed over Zoom.
Councillors sitting on a planning committee meeting on Wednesday afternoon have been recommended to approve planning permission for Lakota to be turned into flats and business space.
Almost 8,000 people have signed a petition asking for the club on Upper York Street in St Paul’s to be saved.
is needed now More than ever
Campaigners are also concerned that the planning committee meeting “is going under the radar” due to the coronavirus crisis.
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Read more: Nightclub owners offer building to charities during coronavirus crisis
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Florence Ralston said: “Although a written statement can be submitted, this doesn’t have the same affect and leaves the public out of an important decision and a democratic process.
“Also, this meeting is going under the radar thanks to everyone understandably focusing on the Covid-19 situation. I was only made aware of the meeting by email because I had made an objection back in early March.
“Myself and my fellow campaigners believe the meeting should be postponed till after the lockdown or at least let members of the public participate in person at the virtual meeting.”
Lakota’s most recent New Year’s Eve party – photo: Giulia Spadafora / Soul Media / Lakota
A city council spokesperson said: “The Development Control Committee meeting scheduled for 29 April 2020 will go ahead as planned to make sure that applications are determined within the appropriate legal timescale.
“Members of the public will be able to submit written statements relating to applications ahead of the meeting.
“These will be shared with members of the committee, and as with any other planning process, will be considered by councillors when making their final decision.
“We are holding remote public meetings via Zoom video conferencing in line with Government guidelines. This is a new process, and one which will be under constant review to ensure the process is carried out fairly and effectively.”
Main photo: Martin Booth
Read more: Man taken to hospital after falling through the Lakota ceiling
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