Marina bids to lift cafe ban

Owners of the Overwater Marina cafe want restrictions lifted to allow them to serve more customers.

They have applied to Cheshire East for permission to serve local walkers, hikers and cyclists and any other passing trade.

Current planning conditions state the cafe, which has been open for just over a year, is only allowed to serve canal boat users that have tied up in the marina.

But concern is growing that the ban on serving food and drink to passing trade could have a serious effect on the viability of the enterprise.

An application to Cheshire East Council to lift the restriction says: "The restrictions placed on the use of the cafe mean that these persons are not able to take refreshment or food, which detracts from the use and attractiveness of the site."

Audlem parish councillors will decide at their meeting on Monday whether to support the lifting of the ban. Audlem already has two cafes in the village with a third set to open later this year at Oxtail and Trotter butchers in Cheshire Street.

Current planning policies seek to ensure retail outlets are located in towns and villages. But the application warns that without a relaxation in the rules the future of the marina cafe is at risk.

Applicant Janet Maughan of Monks Hall Farm says in her submission that the rural economy has benefited from the marina which has brought business and jobs.

Her application adds: "Having established the business over the last couple of years it is paramount to ensure the vitality and prosperity of this rural business is maintained. The marina brings tourism, visitors, an increase in outdoor recreation, is a contributor to the local economy and brings employment."

And she warns that it is vital that the viability of the marina cafe is assured. "The ongoing economic turndown and the challenging financial times the country is experiencing, with little signs of any relief or upturn, means the cafe is not viable and now needs to be able to be more sustainable and viable to the ongoing growth of the business and marina."

The application adds : "The loss of this facility would reduce the attractiveness of the marina and would threaten the business in the long term. Having established the business over the last couple of years it is paramount to ensure the vitality and prosperity of this rural business is maintained."

Cheshire East Council will consider the application after hearing the views of Audlem parish councillors.

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