Agenda item

To determine the application.

The Committee had regard to its inspection of the site (as agreed in accordance with the Site Inspection: Policy and Procedure (minute P19/04)) during its deliberations.

David Rowen presented the report to members and drew their attention to the update report which had been circulated.

Members received a presentation in support of the application, in accordance with the Public Participation Procedure, from the applicant Hayley Scarrow.

Hayley Scarrow thanked the Committee for the opportunity to speak at today’s meeting. She said that the application process had been very long and this proposal is something that she is very passionate about. She explained that it was a childhood ambition of hers to start her own business. She added that her Grandparents had passed away last year and had encouraged her to pursue this ambition further and it is therefore very important for her to carry out their wishes.

Hayley Scarrow informed members that she is an active part of the community in Chatteris, has family members living in the Town and resides locally too. She explained that she has not applied to change the shops exterior in any way and is keen to retain its current frontage. She highlighted that an objection had been received against the application from a local business owner running a similar business and another local resident had actively encouraged objections via the local Chatteris Facebook page.

Hayley Scarrow highlighted some of the comments made on social media from local residents and assured members that the shop will be run solely as a Tea Room and will not be open late into the night. She hopes the venue will bring together the local community and provide enjoyment for visiting customers. She added that her vision of the Tea Room is different to the existing local business and reiterated her passion behind this venture.

She asked members to approve the application today as per officer’s recommendation. She informed members that the last time she had visited March was to attend her Grandfather’s funeral and said if the application was approved today, it would be a very poignant day for her.

Members asked Hayley Scarrow the following questions;

1.    Councillor Connor thanked Hayley Scarrow for her presentation and asked for confirmation of the shop’s proposed opening hours. Hayley Scarrow confirmed that the Tea Room would be open during the week between 8.30am to 4.30pm. Over the weekend, the shop would be open on a Saturday between 9.30am to 4.30pm and on a Sunday between 10am to 4pm.

2.    Councillor Connor highlighted that these opening hours would not encourage any anti-social issues in Chatteris and said this should be of no concern to local residents.

3.    Councillor Mrs Laws asked for confirmation that the shop would be run as a Tea Room and not a Fast-Food restaurant. Hayley Scarrow confirmed this and said she had based the proposed menu choices on meals that do not contain any fried foods as she is keen to eliminate bad odours in the shop.

4.    Councillor Mrs Laws explained to Hayley Scarrow that the Committee do not take into account any objections submitted via Social Media and consideration is given only to objections formally submitted to the Planning department.

Members asked questions, made comments and received responses as follows;

1.    Councillor Mrs Laws stated that she supports the application and the premises would be a welcome addition to Chatteris. She highlighted that Hayley Scarrow is obviously very passionate about the opportunity to set up her own business.

Proposed by Councillor Mrs Laws, seconded by Councillor Connor and decided that the application be APPROVED; as per the officer’s recommendation.

(Councillor Benney declared that he is a member of Chatteris Town Council but takes no part in planning matters)

(Councillor Mrs Hay declared that she is a member of Chatteris Town Council but takes no part in planning matters)

(Councillor Murphy declared that he is a member of Chatteris Town Council but takes no part in planning matters