New Kebab Takeaway Gets Green Light Near Historic Fulham Palace
A former café located just steps from the historic Fulham Palace is set to be transformed into a new takeaway restaurant, following approval from local councillors. The establishment, named Koocina, will occupy the premises previously home to Copper Coffee on Fulham Road. The Hammersmith and Fulham Council's Licensing Sub-Committee granted the application last week, allowing the takeaway to operate until midnight from Monday to Thursday, until 12:30 AM on Fridays and Saturdays, and until 11:30 PM on Sundays.
Resident Objections and Safety Concerns
During the consultation process, a total of thirteen objections were submitted to the council by concerned residents. One local resident expressed opposition, stating that the new takeaway might "make an already loud and congested roundabout and road even more disruptive." The resident, a woman living alone, also raised safety concerns, particularly regarding an influx of delivery drivers from services like Deliveroo who may not adhere to road safety protocols. Additionally, she worried about potential property devaluation as a recent homeowner.
Another significant concern highlighted the presence of a zebra crossing directly opposite the building's entrance. The resident noted that combined with vehicles turning onto Fulham Road, "there is a high risk to the public if the premises' customers spill onto the pavement and obscure this traffic or the customers themselves spill onto the road."
Noise and Disturbance Issues Raised
Resident Alex Cree, who lives above the takeaway, attended the council meeting and voiced his apprehensions. He told councillors, "The extended hours will generate significant noise and disturbance, affecting all four or more working professionals in the building as well as nearby residents." Mr. Cree emphasized that noise from delivery drivers and disruption from a recently installed extractor fan would be particularly problematic.
Another resident, Jerry Bermingham, echoed these concerns, pointing out the location of the zebra crossing and the proximity of the premises to local schools, describing the proposal as "a disaster waiting to happen."
Applicant's Response and Council Conditions
Faizan Karim, the applicant for Koocina, addressed the committee by explaining that most deliveries would be handled by his own drivers using e-bikes. When questioned by Councillor Dominic Stanton, Mr. Karim acknowledged that third-party operators like Uber Eats might be used during peak order times. He also assured that the extractor fan would not operate late at night, with most cooking activities scheduled during daytime hours.
Councillor Bora Kwon inquired about the nature of the takeaway, asking whether it would serve food intended for immediate consumption on the street or for take-home meals. Mr. Karim responded that the focus would be on the latter, though he committed to monitoring litter in the area and adjusting the offering if necessary.
Licensing Approval with Specific Conditions
Despite the objections, councillors approved the licence as applied, but imposed additional conditions beyond those requested by the Metropolitan Police. These conditions stipulate that the extractor fan must not be used after 11 PM and that no walk-in takeaway orders will be permitted beyond 10:30 PM. The decision marks a significant change for the location, which, as Mr. Cree noted, has not operated as a takeaway in recent years, having previously functioned as a coffee shop.
The new Koocina takeaway will be situated in a prominent area, not far from Fulham FC's Craven Cottage stadium by the River Thames and adjacent to Fulham Palace, the former residence of the Bishops of London, which now serves as a museum. The approval highlights ongoing tensions between commercial development and residential quality of life in urban settings.
