A cafe-owner hoping to become the area's newest late-night venue has withdrawn his licence bid.

The owner of Romax Coffee Bar in High Street, Walthamstow, asked for permission to play music until 2am daily and serve alcohol until 1.30am.

Waltham Forest Council’s licensing committee was due to discuss the application later today before the meeting was suddenly cancelled.

Regarding the cancellation, the council wrote: “All representations for the application have been withdrawn. The hearing is no longer required.”

Both the Metropolitan Police and the council’s own officers had previously written to object to the plans.

Police Constable Darren Brand said the premises is “situated in the heart of a highly residential area currently experiencing high crime rates with local rival gangs”.

He added that he had been unable to make contact with the applicant, Shpetim Pira, despite requesting his contact information from Mr Pira’s licensing consultant.

The council’s environmental protection officers expressed concerns about noise from music and customers leaving the premises and pointed out the coffee shop is situated in a 'cumulative impact policy' area.

They said: “It is presumed that no licences will be granted or varied unless there are exceptional circumstances to justify departing from the policy.”

Mr Pira could not be reached for comment.

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