Tory Birmingham City Council leader Mike Whitby is trying to stop a small business from opening in his Harborne ward – for the second time this year.
He is opposing plans for a cafe-bar in Harborne High Street, on the grounds that the venue would “dilute the quality” of the area.
But the man behind the scheme, which would create 20 jobs, has described Coun Whitby’s objection as “bizarre”.
It’s the second time recently that the council leader has sought to prevent a business from getting off the ground.
At the beginning of the year Coun Whitby lost a battle to prevent an Indian takeaway opening in Northfield Road, Harborne.
The council planning committee rejected his claims about unpleasant cooking smells and anti-social behaviour and approved the takeaway.
Members said similar outlets were regularly approved in other parts of Birmingham and Harborne should be treated no differently.
Now Coun Whitby has written to the committee demanding that Bristol-based bar chain Loungers be denied permission to turn 147 Harborne High Street, an empty former building society office, into a restaurant and cafe-bar.
The applicants want to open from 9am to 23.30 daily and say the premises could provide tables for 90 people.
Coun Whitby said the proposal would threaten the sustainability of other similar businesses in the street and undermine the Harborne economy.
Loungers owner Alex Reilly said: “The economy is on its knees and some people are saying this application should not be approved. That is a little bit ridiculous.
“What would they prefer? To keep the unit empty?"
"It is a bizarre objection. It is disappointing that the leader of the council has taken this view.”
Loungers has ten outlets at the moment, mainly in the south of England, but intends to expand its activities.
Mr Reilly said Loungers bars prided themselves on being informal meeting places, popular with daytime shoppers particularly mothers with children.
A council planning officer is recommending approval for the scheme when the committee meets next week.
James Mead pointed out that the High Street already has several “big name” shops and that 147 is sandwiched between a Cafe Nero outlet and a Blockbusters Video store.
He said there was no evidence to suggest that another cafe-bar would damage the economy.
Mr Mead added: “I consider that this proposal does not conflict with the objectives of ensuring vitality and viability to local centres.”
A spokesman for Coun Whitby said the leader did not wish to comment.
