Coffee and wine bar go-ahead for Chester city centre

Dec 8 2008 by David Norbury, Chester Chronicle

A NEW coffee shop and wine bar has approval in Chester city centre.

The change of use is proposed at vacant premises at 90 Northgate Street, previously a hairdressers, by Miss V Edwards.

Miss Edwards told planning officers at the City Council the coffee shop will open between 10am and 6pm and the wine bar from 6pm to 11pm Monday to Saturday.

On Sunday and bank holidays, only the coffee shop will open.

The wine bar will serve cheese and deli boards.

Objections have been raised by King Street occupier Sandi Baker who believes the change of use will be detrimental to local residents as it will lead to a “creeping proliferation” of food outlets.

“The King Street area is already litter strewn with packages and wrappers, there is no bin, cleaning isn't daily and windowsills and doorsteps are regularly graced with bottles and cans, ketchup and vomit,” she claims.

“Could we please say enough is enough and at least ask you to consider the local residents.”

Desmond Pheby, owner of Go Fresco at 86 Northgate Street, also objected on the basis there would be four food shops in a row which he believed was contrary to the council's policy.

The business will bring a vacant unit back into use, planning offices argue which they describe as “especially important” given the number of empty premises in Northgate Street.

It will not be close enough to residential properties, in particular dwellings in King Street, to have an unacceptable effect, they believe.

The application was recommended for approval to a meeting of the city's planning board.

“I am concerned about the future appearance of the premises,” said Newton Brook Cllr Terri Gray (Con).

Pointing out they are in the city centre conservation area, she added: “The frontage is going to be important.”

Cllr Gray also claimed the area attracts students and commented: “We don't want any rowdiness.”

The board agreed on a 12-0 vote the change of use should have permission.