Fareham cafe blocked from extending opening hours as neighbours worry about noise and smell
Planners have told a cafe owner she cannot open on Sundays due to concerns from neighbours about the noise and smell from the business.
Jacqueline Avis, owner of Cocos Coffee Shop at 110 Miller Drive in Fareham submitted an application to permit opening on a Sunday, from 10am-4pm.
Business owner Miss Avis said she may be “forced to close” if she did not get get permission.
The parade of shops includes a nursery, a barbers, a convenience store, and a hairdresser/beautician business.
Miss Avis said her café’s focus was on customers with wheelchair-access needs and people with dementia, and that her staff were trained to address those needs.
Speaking at a council meeting on December 10, she said: “The corner shop and hairdressers open on Sundays.
“Without opening on a Sunday, I may be forced to close.”
But councillors at the Fareham Borough Council planning meeting were told residents objected because of the impact on their quality of life from noise and food smells.
Residents living above the parade of five shops said they wanted one day in the week undisturbed.
Jessica Lillywhite, who represented residents, said they were opposed to the seventh day of opening because the noise from moving tables and chairs, people gathering, and food smells affected their daily lives.
She said: “We want one day a week free of stress, free of noise, free of odours, that is all we are asking.”
Councillor Steve Dugan (Con, Hill Head) said his sympathies were split as every, families had a right to live in peace and people were allowed to earn a living.
Council officer Richard Wright said given the business already operated six days a week, the councillors needed to ask themselves: would the additional opening on Sunday adversely impact the neighbours.
Councillor Paul Whittle (Con, Portchester Wicor) said: “It is an unacceptable encroachment to open on Sundays on the occupiers of the flats.”
The committee voted to refuse the application by eight votes against and one in favour.
Ms Lillywhite said she welcomed the decision but added it was difficult because they are neighbours.
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