Marina cafe now open to all-comers

Overwater Marina cafe can now serve all-comers after planning restrictions were lifted.

Cheshire East planning committee has given the go-ahead to lift a ban on the cafe serving food and drink to non-marina customers.

An original condition of planning approval for the cafe/shop at the marina, off Coole Lane, had been that it serve marina customers only.

The condition stated: 'The cafe in the facilities building hereby approved shall be for the benefit of users of boats at the marina only and not for use by the general public. '

Planning officials admitted the cafe had been in breach of the restriction for some years by serving walkers and visitors not connected with the marina.

A report to the committee said the main issues were the impact on the character and appearance of the open countryside, highway safety and neighbouring amenity.

The report admitted the cafe/shop unit had been in breach of the condition for several years but claimed there was no 'significantly detrimental impact on the surrounding area, on the nearby businesses, on local amenities or on highways'.

The report added that a recently introduced National Planning Policy Framework had clear aims to support economic growth in rural areas including 'the provision and expansion of tourist and visitor facilities in appropriate locations'.

Marina owners say the move will ensure the future of the cafe and its economic viability.

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