Decision on Littleborough cafe deferred

A Littleborough cafe seeking permission to extend opening hours will have to wait a little longer to find out if the proposal is acceptable after councillors on the Pennines Township Planning Committee deferred a decision until they have viewed the site.

Planning officers had recommended approval providing a soundproofing scheme is implemented and details of the means of extraction and filtration of cooking odours is submitted and approved but, following three letters of objection, Councillors decided to see the premises for themselves as the cafe is tucked away down an alley behind 69 Church Street and with residential property close by there is concern about the impact on residents. Councillors also need to satisfy themselves that the premises are being used as a cafe and not a take-away as the current permission is for a cafe, not a take-away.

The objectors are also concerned that the extension of opening hours will encourage gangs of youths to hang around the area and make existing problems with litter even worse.

Planning officers views are the extended opening hours would not adversely affect the character of the area and adjacent properties or the privacy and amenity of neighbouring residents.