Café plans in Northumberland village welcomed but concerns raised over late licence

A Belford publican has lodged plans to convert an empty shop into a licensed café and delicatessen.
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Richard Hearne, who runs the Black Swan Hotel, has applied for change of use permission and listed building consent for the scheme at the former Shearer’s stove centre.

A report submitted alongside the application indicates there would be no cooking on the premises because it would be prepared at the nearby hotel.

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Northumberland’s public protection unit has objected and called for further information.

Plans have been lodged for a deli/cafe in the former Shearer's stove centre.Plans have been lodged for a deli/cafe in the former Shearer's stove centre.
Plans have been lodged for a deli/cafe in the former Shearer's stove centre.

Environmental health officer Alex Wall reported: “The food business model proposed may add an unconventional risk to food safety as prepared food would be transported from the Black Swan on Market Place to 3 High Street.

“While this is a short distance, the applicant must be able to demonstrate that foods requiring temperature control can be transported safely.”

It is proposed that the venue would be open until 10.30pm every day.

It would also be closed in the winter.

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The scheme has received several letters of support from local residents.

Bruce Metcalf said: “I think it is fantastic opportunity to bring a fresh new takeaway food outlet for locals and tourists keeping a shop open on the High Street.”

Eric Taylor added: “To find people willing to invest their cash on what I see as an asset to the High Street can only to be a good thing.”

Belford Parish Council is also supporting the application, although concerns were raised about a late licence.

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Coun Julian Cunningham said: “I welcome new businesses but I would be concerned if there was a drinks licence beyond 8pm. It could lead to anti-social behaviour and lots of noise.”

Coun Steve White added: “The fact the premises have been taken over and could be turned into something the village can use is brilliant. Let’s face it, if it hadn’t it would have ended up being more accommodation and another shopfront would have gone. But I think the extent of what they want is not practical for where it is.”

Local resident Alison Turnbull added: “I am really happy for a deli or cafeteria to be there but I think a liquor licence for those hours opens a can of worms.”

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