Application for new cafe in The Square in Earls Barton withdrawn as concerns raised over ventilation and noise
After an application was submitted to turn a vacant unit in Earls Barton into ‘The Square Cafe’ in January, it has since been withdrawn.
An application was received on January 3 this year for a vacant building in The Square, Earls Barton to be turned into a cafe.
However, as of today (June 5), this is not longer the case, and plans are not expected to go ahead.
It was intended to transform the building that was once Jackson Grundy estate agents and later served as Pink Rose Beauty into a cafe that would prepare and serve hot food and drinks.
However, concerns were raised by the public regarding its means of ventilation, and its potential for noise disturbances caused by the ‘commercial grade catering equipment’ which could impact on residents at inconvenient times.
Regarding ventilation, the intention was to link the hood ventilation to the chimney breast, which already has a ceiling vent installed from the previous tenant, however it is believed by some that this is not viable, as the chimney is on a party wall with the adjoining property.
One commenter said: “The chimney/chimney stack that the applicant is intending to use to vent the cooking fumes is on the party wall.
“In addition, the chimney overlaps and becomes shared in the loft spaces of the two properties. The venting of the cooking fumes through the shared chimney stack will result in odour issues.”
There is currently no news as to what the still vacant unit will become.
You can read the full application and comments here, or by searching NW/24/00004/FUL on the North Northants Council planning portal.