Kathy’s Café has been granted permission to operate in a previously unused building in Regent Street, Haslingden, after a thorough review by Rossendale Council. The café, located next to Butties 2 Buffets, Baitul Mukarram Mosque and Islamic Centre, and the Haslingden Trades Club, has a rich history, having been used as a funeral parlour, offices, and a church. The site, situated within the Haslingden Town Centre Conservation Area, is a prime location for a café, with its proximity to other compatible uses, including a drinking club, a public house, and other retail uses.
According to documents submitted as part of the application, Rossendale Council’s Local Plan is supportive of cafes in the defined retail part of the town centre. While the policy does not exclude such uses elsewhere, the council has deemed the property suitable for a café due to its location and the surrounding uses. The applicant has assured the council that the change of use will not result in any external changes to the property, which is a significant consideration given its location within the conservation area. The application is solely for the change of use of the premises, and no alterations to the exterior of the building are planned or proposed.
Parking concerns were also addressed as part of the application. While some customers may arrive by car, the applicant has stated that most customers arrive on foot. Additionally, nearby on and off-street parking is available, alleviating concerns about parking congestion. Lancashire County Council’s highways department raised no objections to the plan, further supporting the café’s approval. The applicant has also submitted a detailed parking plan, outlining the measures that will be taken to ensure that parking is managed effectively and that the café does not contribute to congestion in the area.
The café’s interior features a general café area, an adjoined dining room, and customer toilets. The applicant has submitted detailed drawings of the proposed layout, which show a welcoming and comfortable space for customers to enjoy. The café will offer a range of food and drink options, including sandwiches, cakes, and hot and cold beverages. The applicant has also committed to sourcing high-quality ingredients and to providing excellent customer service.
However, not everyone was pleased with the proposal. One public comment objecting to the plans was received from neighbor Timothy Wood-Ives, who expressed concerns about “nasty cooking smells” emanating from the site. Wood-Ives requested that the extraction chimney be moved to reduce the impact on surrounding residents and businesses. In response, Rossendale Council placed a condition on the decision, ensuring that the existing system for extracting cooking odors is satisfactorily retained at all times to safeguard surrounding local residents and the occupiers of surrounding premises from excessive cooking odors.
The condition requires the café to maintain the existing system for extracting cooking odors, which includes a ventilation system and extractor fans. The café must also ensure that the system is properly maintained and cleaned regularly to prevent any blockages or malfunctions. The condition also requires the café to provide a plan for dealing with any odors that may escape from the system, including a plan for responding to complaints and for taking corrective action.
In addition to the condition regarding cooking odors, Rossendale Council also placed a condition on the decision requiring the café to comply with all relevant health and safety regulations. This includes ensuring that the café is designed and constructed to meet the needs of customers with disabilities, and that the café provides a safe and healthy environment for customers and staff.
The approval of Kathy’s Café is a positive development for the Haslingden community, bringing new life to a previously unused building and providing a welcoming space for locals and visitors alike. The café’s commitment to maintaining the existing system for extracting cooking odors and addressing any concerns about parking and noise will be closely monitored to ensure a smooth and successful operation. The café will also be required to provide regular updates to Rossendale Council on its progress and to respond to any concerns or complaints that may arise.
Overall, the approval of Kathy’s Café is a welcome addition to the Haslingden community, bringing new life to a previously unused building and providing a welcoming space for locals and visitors alike. The café’s commitment to maintaining the existing system for extracting cooking odors and addressing any concerns about parking and noise will be closely monitored to ensure a smooth and successful operation.