Council serves enforcement notice on controversial Northampton shisha bar – with demolition deadline set

West Northamptonshire Council has served a formal planning enforcement notice to Maya Lounge, located in the former Volunteer Pub on Wellingborough Road, regarding its rear shisha lounge extension.

A spokesperson for West Northamptonshire Council said: “The council has followed national guidance and sought to resolve this matter informally with the operator. As these negotiations have not been successful and because of the planning harm arising from the structure and associated use, we have moved to formal enforcement action.

“An enforcement notice was served in September, which instructs the owner to remove the structure and cease the unauthorised use. The owner can submit an appeal to the planning inspectorate. If the owner does not appeal the notice, all works must be completed by February 13, 2027.”

In May, retrospective plans for the rear shisha lounge had been refused.

The structure, which backs onto St Edmund's Road, was built without planning permission after the venue opened in May 2025.

When reviewing the structure, council officers said the development harmed the character of the area and generated “significant noises and disturbances” for neighbouring residents – the rear structure is surrounded by hundreds of residential homes.

Environmental health officers also objected, saying the retractable-roof structure breached smoke-free legislation because shisha smoking is not permitted in enclosed or substantially enclosed premises.

The refusal left the business facing possible enforcement action, with the council confirming in July that it was moving towards formal measures after attempts to resolve the matter informally had failed.

The latest development means the owner has been formally instructed to demolish the structure and cease its unauthorised use, although an appeal can be submitted to the planning inspectorate.

If no appeal is lodged, the works must be completed by February 13, 2027.

Earlier this year, Maya Lounge was also subject to a premises licence review after complaints about late-night noise and disturbance.

Council documents recorded 19 complaints from 18 households between May 2025 and January 2026, while environmental health officers have also alleged breaches of smoke-free legislation.

WNC has been asked the outcome of that review.

The case mirrors another planning dispute involving a shisha venue just yards away on Wellingborough Road.

Earlier this year, the owners of the former Bada Bing Lounge had lost an appeal against a council enforcement notice after building an unauthorised shisha bar at the former St Edmund's Hospital site.

Following the failed appeal, the enforcement notice remained in force and the structure was demolished by its owners in the summer.