A popular Isle of Wight cafe’s expansion plans have been given the green light, including a flat overlooking the Bay area.
Blueberry’s Cafe on the cliff path, between Shanklin and Lake, can now be demolished and rebuilt, after the Isle of Wight council approved the proposals.
Indoor seating and two-bed flat
It is currently a single-storey building with an outdoor covered patio and was described as ‘tired and dated’ in planning documents.
Under the new plans, the cafe will have indoor seating and a two-bed flat built on top, with a roof terrace.
Nearby objections
Nearby Littlestairs Road residents objected, saying the building’s new height would cause a loss of privacy and light, although council planning officers said the flat would be far enough away not be overly dominant or overbearing.
The officers said some first floor windows overlooking other properties would be obscured.
A boost to the economy
Those supporting the cafe said the business was already a success and the new plans would be a boost to the economy.
Under the planning permission, the council has specified no customers shall be on the premises outside of working hours and the extraction or ventilation system cannot be used before 8am or after 5pm.
Cannot be sold separately
The Isle of Wight council has also specified the living accommodation and cafe cannot be sold separately.
This article is from the BBC’s LDRS (Local Democracy Reporter Service) scheme, which News OnTheWight is taking part in. Some alterations and additions may have been made by OnTheWight. Ed
