A popular North Staffordshire ice cream parlour has once again won planning permission to change the use of the premises from retail to a mix of retail and café which would allow a greater range of hot food to be sold. However councillors weren't happy that once again the application was retrospective.

Previously Bobby's Ice Cream Parlour opened without planning permission at Springfields Farm near Werrington. During a planning committee meeting in January permission was granted but food sales were limited to ice cream and other cold food, pies, and hot and cold drinks.

The ice cream parlour, on Hulme Lane, applied to be able to serve a wider range of food including paninis, bacon rolls, breakfasts and baked potatoes. No external changes are planned and the ice cream parlour would still be open from 10am to 7pm, seven days a week.

No external changes are planned at Bobby's (Nub News).

Applicant Natalie Taylor told councillors: "Since you granted us permission to go ahead with Bobby's things have been going well. The indoor seating has helped us make the site much calmer and quieter.

"There are no crowds of people outside, nor do we have food vans. The proposal will not impact the greenbelt not will it give rise to any harm to the character and appearance of the surrounding area.

"The proposal will not increase the number of people visiting the site and overall will not have any greater impact than the scheme you have already approved."

No objections were received from statutory authorities, however four neighbours did raise concerns with the planning department at Staffordshire Moorlands District Council. Jane McGowan objected to the proposal and told councillors residents feel like they have no voice in the development.

She said: "I do have some sympathy for planning. You gave Bobby's Ice Cream Parlour a golden opportunity in December last year when you approved this application.

The planning committee at Staffordshire Moorlands District Council voted to give the greenlight to the popular venue (Nub News).

"Unfortunately for planning the ice cream parlour has been completely disrespectful of the approved conditions and drawings. As many of you know there are various enforcement actions being dealt with regarding this development and as there has been a lot of unauthorised works taken place.

"To date it looks like Bobbies Ice Cream Parlour has taken away any control planning had over this development and therefore planning are unable to safeguard the character and amenity of the area. I do understand it's not your fault and that the ice cream parlour chooses to operate in this way but I think some due diligence needs to be applied and control taken back."

Councillor Mark Johnson highlighted unauthorised work that has taken place on the site and said it doesn't fill him with confidence. He said: "It is indeed a pleasant and thriving business to briefly visit but I don't think that's the end of the story.

"I know enforcement, we must put to one side but there has been a lot of presumptive building or use on this site and that doesn't fill me with confidence. We heard the last time the applicant was before us that they wanted to be a good neighbour and clearly in many ways, if it's to be believed and we believe them that in many ways they have but in planning matters they do not seem to have been and that worries me because no matter how good a business is we do have a planning system and it exists to protect the interests of residents."

Planning committee chairman, Council Peter Wilkinson added: "I think the major concerns are highway safety and residential amenity. I think there needs to be dialogue between the applicant and the residents to drive forward.

The planning committee at Staffordshire Moorlands District Council voted to give the greenlight to the popular venue with only two abstentions. 

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READ MORE: Major highways improvement scheme completed in Werrington

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