Café and village shop at The Old Blacksmiths, Templefield Road /, Willoughton

What was proposed

The application sought to change the former blacksmiths into a café and village shop, with alterations, outdoor seating, and improved pedestrian access.

“PROPOSAL: Planning application for the change of use of the former blacksmiths to cafe & village shop.”

“The Proposal: The application seeks permission to change the use of the existing workshop/ blacksmiths building to a café and shop. The building measures…”

Officer report

The site and building

The building is a nineteenth-century former smithy on a highway island in the village and is recognised as a non-designated heritage asset.

“The building is noted as being a “Significant Structure of Interest” within the Willoughton Neighbourhood Plan (Appendix 4). It is also noted on the Lincolnshire Historic Environment Record for its historic interest as a Smithy1. It is therefore considered to be a non- designated heritage asset.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because the small community facility and restoration of the heritage asset outweighed the lack of dedicated parking.

“Conclusion and Planning Balance: The proposed development has been assessed against policies S1 The Spatial Strategy and Settlement Hierarchy, S13 Reducing Energy Consumption in Existing Buildings, S20 Resilient and Adaptable Design, S21 Flood Risk and Water Resources, S47 Accessibility and Transport, S49 Parking Provision, S50 Community Facilities, S53 Design and Amenity, S57 The Historic Environment, S60 Protecting Biodiversity and Geodiversity and S61 Biodiversity…”

“In the planning balance, the proposals would provide a small scale, local rural community facility within a small village. The development would also see the restoration and re use of a non designated heritage asset which is supported by local and national policy, it would also secure its long term future. Negative weight is however given to the lack of dedicated parking provision in this case.”

Officer report

What people said

Supporters welcomed local facilities and heritage restoration, while objectors raised parking, congestion, school safety, traffic, noise and residential amenity concerns.

“Whilst the Council are in favour of improving the facilities for the village and wish to support the preservation and enhancement of the Old Blacksmith’s, concerns are expressed regarding designated parking not provided for the business and customers. On street parking is at a premium and already causes issues for residents and the school. Highway safety should not be compromised by the development.”

“- Increased risk to child safety due to higher traffic volumes and reduced visibility from parked cars - Additional congestion during peak school times, making drop-off and pick-up more hazardous - Obstruction of access for emergency services and school-related transport - Increased likelihood of unsafe or inconsiderate parking near the school entrance - Harm to the character and tranquillity of the village…”

Officer report

What consultees said

Highways accepted the revised pedestrian access subject to conditions, while archaeology and conservation officers supported the scheme subject to recording and heritage conditions.

“The revised pedestrian access and tactile crossing point to allow safe and sustainable access to the site is acceptable to the highway authority and will not have an unacceptable impact on highway safety.”

“LCC Archaeology: We welcome the proposal for a conservation-led scheme including checks for structural integrity, securing the long-term survival of the currently vacant building and its historic fittings as laid out in the provided Design and Access Statement and application form. Regarding section A6 of the Design and Access…”

Officer report

Who spoke

The applicant described a modest community facility, and the ward member supported restoring the historic building despite the parking challenge.

What members considered

Members supported the community and heritage benefits, sought clarification on highways and archaeology, and considered the parking impacts acceptable for the location and scale.

“Members of the Committee expressed overall support for the application, recognising the benefits of bringing a non-designated heritage asset back into active use and providing a community facility within the village. The proposal was welcomed as a positive investment, with support noted for small scale local enterprise and the enhancement of local amenities.”

“Whilst the absence of on-site parking was acknowledged, Members considered that the impacts were acceptable in this context, noting the location and anticipated scale of the use.”

Minutes

The committee’s decision

The committee agreed to grant planning permission in line with the officer recommendation, subject to conditions.

“With no further comments, the proposal to accept the Officer’s recommendations was duly seconded and voted upon. It was therefore agreed that planning permission be GRANTED subject to the following conditions:”

Minutes

Conditions on the permission

The permission included conditions covering construction, pedestrian access, historic recording, materials, drainage, and opening hours.

“The conversion works hereby approved shall not take place until an Historic Building Record has been submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. The recording should be to Level 2 as described in Historic England’s- A Guide to Good Recording Practice.”

“10.The opening hours of the development hereby approved shall be in strict accordance with the following opening hours, unless otherwise agreed in writing by the Local Planning Authority.”

Minutes