Owner of Efes Snooker Club bids to build new Dalston restaurant and flats

An artist’s impression of what the Crossway site will look like if the project is built. Image: JUB Studio

Plans by the owner of Efes Snooker Club to construct large restaurant premises and four flats behind the old Dudley’s Department Store building have come under fire from Dalston residents who fear anti-social behaviour will rise as a result.

The snooker club was stripped of its alcohol licence after police branded it a “crime generator” three years ago, though the licence was later reinstated. Club owner Yasar Akin’s son, Engin Akin, went to court to try and overturn Hackney Council’s decision not to permit the club to stay open late, but District Judge Angus Hamilton dismissed the appeal in a court ruling published this week.

Now Yasar Akin, who is understood to own a variety of businesses as well as residential properties in the Dalston area, has applied to build a 442sqm eatery with outdoor seating and a venue hall for hire as well as four residential flats and a community centre at a site in 5 Crossway site, which is located off Kingsland High Street and is currently occupied by Star Hand Car Wash.

His agent Joe Hutton said he would not be commenting on the plans, which will be considered by a Town Hall sub-committee tonight, at this stage.

However, they have already drawn objections from residents who expressed concerns about possible “anti-social behaviour such as crime, drunkenness, drug taking, littering and general nuisance”.

And Rio Cross Residents Association has argued that extending the “entertainment zone” beyond Kingsland High Street into residential areas “would be difficult to control and manage, especially for police and wardens”.

Two local councillors, Soraya Adejare and Michelle Gregory, have also objected to the plans, but a third, Peter Snell, said he was neutral on the issue.

However, only 14 letters of objection were received as part of a consultation in which the council sent out 117 letters asking people for their views.

Council planning officers have recommended the committee, chaired by Cllr Vincent Stops, approve the plans.

Update at 8.45am on Thursday 6 October: The committee has unanimously approved this planning application.