Plans for new cake shop in Northamptonshire village approved

A vacant unit in Wollaston’s High Street is set to be taken on by local cake maker, ElsBakes, hoping to bring bespoke desserts to the village.

In a planning document, a representative of the Northants Life award-winning business saw the opportunity as a chance to offer something different.

They said: “The proposed change of use to a Class E will bring a lot of value to the village of Wollaston.

“This would be a very welcome business to the village offering something different to what Wollaston already has to offer its residents and the surrounding area.”

The documents said the lower part of the building, which has been vacant for several years, will have a counter with baked goods displayed and seating for customers to purchase and eat their items as well as buy to take away.

ElsBakes is looking to acquire the unit on a five-year lease, with trading hours expected to be within the hours of 8am until 5pm, Monday through Saturday.

However, some concerns for parking were raised by commenters on the application, as the unit has no off-road provision.

One commenter said: “The provision for parking is totally inadequate for this application. There is a major problem with available parking spaces in the High Street, and Wollaston in general.”

Another said: “Since the Post Office moved to the High Street, parking has been very problematic with drivers being very inconsiderate by parking right on the junction of Rotten Row with the High Street. This makes exiting Rotten Row hazardous as you have to exit on the wrong side of the road and come well across the junction to check if your way is clear due to the way cars have been parked right up to the junction in High Street.”

The applicant has attempted to quash concerns and provide clarity, noting that ingredients are sourced and collected from local suppliers in Northampton so it is planned that there wouldn’t be any delivery drivers frequenting the shop.

ElsBakes will be staffed by the applicant, Eleanor Broome and her mother, who plan to commute to the shop on foot.

The applicant added: “The only cars will relate to my customers and I am hoping the majority will be walking from within the village.

"Anyone collecting a pre-ordered celebration cake will most likely be in a car but cakes are always handed over one at a time. I always give my customers a specific time so to avoid more than one collection at the same time, this in itself will reduce the amount of potential congestion within the area.

"I will remind my customers when collecting that parking is limited and to respect the surrounding residential area and parking restrictions.”

Wollaston Parish Council did not object to the plans on the basis that a waste bin is installed outside the shop due to ‘the anticipated volume of takeout food.’

View the full application here.