Woolwich Residents Raise Concerns Over Proposed Chinese Restaurant

Residents of the Forbes Apartments in Woolwich, southeast London, have expressed significant objections to a proposed Chinese restaurant, Jincheng Alley, which is seeking a premises license from the Greenwich Council. The concerns primarily stem from the nature of the cuisine and its potential to cause public nuisance due to strong odors associated with Sichuan cooking.

Jincheng Alley, currently operating a successful restaurant in London’s West End, aims to establish a new branch in a commercial unit located on the ground floor of the residential building. The application includes provisions for the sale of alcohol and the playing of music, prompting a formal response from local residents. One resident described the cuisine as an "extremely pungent" option that could violate licensing objectives aimed at preventing public nuisance.

Another resident raised additional concerns regarding the cooking methods used in Sichuan cuisine, which they believe could pose a fire risk. This individual also pointed out issues related to food delivery traffic, late-night footfall, and disturbances caused by restaurant patrons. Despite these objections, supporters of the restaurant, including the owner’s legal representative, Marcus Lavell, argue that the unit was always intended for restaurant use and that operational controls would minimize disturbances.

According to Lavell, the restaurant plans to cater primarily to residents of the Forbes Apartments, which could mitigate concerns about external customers. He noted that the licensing application did not receive objections from either the police or the council’s environmental health department, suggesting that regulatory bodies do not foresee significant issues with the restaurant's operations.

The Greenwich Council is expected to make a decision on the license application in the near future, which could set a precedent for similar establishments in residential areas. This case highlights the ongoing tension between local residents’ quality of life and the expansion of diverse dining options in urban settings.

As Woolwich continues to develop, balancing the needs of residents with those of growing businesses will remain a critical issue. The outcome of this licensing application could influence future restaurant proposals in the area, as well as inform discussions about urban planning and community integration in London’s evolving neighborhoods.