Campaigners argue Lincoln restaurant would spoil Brayford views

Lincoln residents’ objections are mounting in reaction to plans to build a new restaurant overlooking Brayford Pool in the city centre.

Around a dozen people have written to City of Lincoln Council to object to plans for a new £1 million two-storey restaurant and bar opposite Chimichanga on Brayford Wharf North.

Applicants Investors in Lincoln have set out plans for the 529 sq metre development, which would be similar in appearance to the Wagamama restaurant which opened in 2012.

The restaurant would replace the viewing platform which has been closed since late last year due to safety concerns.

If planning permission is granted, Investors in Lincoln hope the project will be completed within a year.

The current viewing platform on the Brayford site. Photo: The Lincolnite

One of the objectors to the project is Lincoln resident Mike Riley.

He said: “Any further development will totally spoil the waterfront. It will make it feel enclosed and however it is designed, it is certainly not going to improve the panorama of Brayford Pool.”

Image: STEM Architects

In addition to the objections received by the city council, a Lincoln man has started an online petition against the plans, which has received over 300 signatures.

Campaigner Calum Watt has petitioned City of Lincoln Council and the Brayford Trust arguing that the project is ‘misplaced’.

He said: “The viewing platform in the centre has been the site of countless romantic liaisons, memorable images, and a site of quiet contemplation in the midst of a busy metropolis.

“Although we applaud the council’s efforts to create jobs in the city, we feel this project is highly misplaced and the benefits of doing so in the short term may be out-weighed in the long term by creating a carbuncle on our waterfront in place of a cherished local landmark.”

Other people who have signed the petition include Benjamin Higgott, who lives in the flats directly above the building.

He said: “It’s going to ruin my view and that of anyone walking down the waterfront.”

Steven Dixon, of North Hykeham added: “The Brayford Pool is Lincoln’s down hill ‘Jewel in the crown’. An additional building will hinder views from the waterfront, a place where visitors and residents enjoy for leisure.

“This building will spoil this area of natural beauty based on short sighted unbalanced commercial gain as argued by the Brayford Trust.”

David Rossington, Chief Executive of Investors in Lincoln, the regeneration group which works with the Brayford Trust, believes the development is ‘for the public good’ to help protect the Pool for future generations.

He said: “Brayford Pool needs constant maintenance if it is to survive and prosper. As the Brayford Trust is a charity that receives no income from the public purse, or from the many businesses surrounding the pool, it relies primarily on rental income from moorings, with the Wagamama restaurant now providing some additional funds.

“Following discussions with a range of interests, and taking particular note of the historical significance of the Brayford Pool, the trust came to the conclusion that there was scope for one more restaurant along Brayford Wharf North that could add additional funds for the maintenance of the Brayford.

“I must stress that there would be no private gain from this development, and there are no plans for more building on Brayford Wharf North.”