Residents of Raynes Park are voicing strong opposition to a new premises licence application by Lockdown Bakehouse, located at 82 Durham Road. The application seeks permission for recorded and live music, as well as the supply of alcohol for consumption on and off the premises, sparking concerns about public nuisance, crime, and the impact on the residential character of the area. Residents are particularly concerned given that a previous alcohol license application for the property had been refused due to concerns about noise, external seating areas, and dispersal management.
The Licensing Sub-Committee of Merton Council is scheduled to consider the application on Tuesday, 28 October 2025, amidst a wave of representations from concerned residents. The Public Reports Pack includes the original application and 46 representations from interested parties.
Residents' Concerns
Residents have raised a number of concerns regarding the potential impact of the licence on the local community. These include:
Public Nuisance: Many residents fear increased noise and disturbance from live and recorded music, late-night activity, and customers gathering outside the premises. They argue that the proposed hours are inappropriate for a quiet, residential area with many families and elderly residents. Some residents pointed out that Merton Council had previously rejected an alcohol licence application at the same address on similar grounds.
Crime and Disorder: Concerns have been raised that the sale of alcohol, particularly late at night, could increase the risk of anti-social behaviour, drug use, and disorderly conduct. Residents have questioned how the applicant would monitor and supervise private events to prevent crime and disorder.
Public Safety: The limited parking facilities at the site are a major concern. Residents fear that increased traffic, cars stopping for pick-ups and drop-offs, and groups gathering outside the premises would raise road safety concerns, particularly for children.
Protection of Children from Harm: Residents worry that the proposed licence would negatively affect the quality of homelife for families in the area. They suggest that live music and the sale of alcohol could attract teenagers and lead to rowdy, anti-social behaviour.
Parking and Local Amenity Impact: The lack of dedicated parking facilities is expected to exacerbate existing parking problems in the area. Residents report that cars are already parking anywhere in the street, blocking bus stops, disabled bays, and driveways.
Several residents also referenced the applicant's social media activity, suggesting that it demonstrated a dismissive attitude towards local concerns and a prioritisation of vibe
over residential amenity. Some residents provided photographs and videos from other Lockdown Bakehouse locations, showing crowded pavements, loud music, and a nightclub-like
atmosphere.
Applicant's Stance
Lockdown Bakers Ltd has applied for a new premises licence for Lockdown Bakehouse, described as a retail café that also provides takeaway services. The application requests permission for recorded music, indoors and outdoors, Sunday to Thursday from 07:00 to 23:00, and Friday and Saturday from 07:00 to 23:30. It also seeks permission for the supply of alcohol for consumption on and off the premises during the same hours, and live music, indoors and outdoors, Friday to Sunday from 10:00 to 22:00, and Sunday from 10:00 to 17:00.
The applicant has outlined steps they would take to promote the four licensing objectives. To mitigate noise pollution, they plan to include strict instructions on noise levels in the premises' terms and conditions and display notices reminding customers to respect nearby residents and leave quietly. To ensure responsible alcohol sales and prevent underage drinking, the applicant stated they would request photo identification from anyone appearing to be under the age of 25, place notices detailing restrictions on alcohol sales to children, maintain a record of refusals, and ensure staff receive appropriate training. They also stated they would close the operating café daily at 4pm, and only open between 16:00 and 23:00 hours for private events, asking all customers to leave the premises quietly at the end of each event.
Objections
Numerous residents have submitted formal objections to the application. Taronish Billimoria, a resident of Durham Road for approximately 20 years, stated that granting the application would have a detrimental effect on the residential area, citing increased disturbances from traffic, people, and music late at night. Gordon Thompson raised concerns about the potential for live music and extended opening hours to cause unreasonable disturbance, given the proximity of residential properties and a local infant school.
Krys Brooks, raised concerns about excessive noise from mechanical ventilation and early deliveries, and the lack of clarity about evening events. Brooks also noted that a previous licence application for the property had been refused due to concerns about noise, external seating areas, and dispersal management.
Anna & Chris Ullathorne, in a joint letter, argued that allowing live or recorded music daily until 11–11.30 pm would cause significant noise disruption, affecting their children's sleep and quality of life. They also raised concerns about the potential for antisocial behaviour and the impact on public safety.
The Residents' Association of West Wimbledon noted that the studio flat and the flat above the Lockdown Bakehouse have been converted to residential use since the previous application for a premises license for alcohol was refused in 2020. That refused application was for far less extensive opening hours (8am to 7pm) and didn't include any application for recorded or live music.
Committee Procedure
The Licensing Sub-Committee, consisting of Councillors Brenda Fraser, Jil Hall, and Shuile Syeda, will follow a set procedure at the hearing, including presentations from the applicant, responsible authorities, and interested parties. The Sub-Committee will then retire for a private session to make their decision, with advice from the Legal Officer. The decision will be communicated to all parties in writing within 5 working days.
The Sub-Committee is reminded that it must have regard to the Licensing Act 2003, the licensing objectives, guidance issued by the Secretary of State, and Merton's Licensing Policy when making its determination.
