Minutes:
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The Applicant’s Representative presented the case on behalf of the Applicant and provided background on the Dial House Café in that it was purchased in 2021 with a view to operating a Bed and Breakfast and open a modest café. The Café was opened in late 2022 under a temporary planning permission so that the owners could test the market. Full planning permission had been subsequently granted and the Sub-Committee was informed that the café currently opened from 9am to 3pm or 4pm and served breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea.
The Applicant’s Representative stated that the café was very small and felt that this was one of the attractions, but also came with struggles relating to viability in the current economic climate, especially when the café wanted to retain low prices and provide an offering to the community.
The Applicant’s Representative explained that the café was popular with the retired community, young families, community groups and for small gatherings.
To improve the offer the café had now launched Sunday Roasts and feedback from customers had indicated that they would like the opportunity to purchase an alcoholic beverage with meals or with the afternoon tea offer. The Sub-Committee was also informed that small parties were held in the café.
The Applicant’s representative explained that alcohol would only be served from 12pm to 4pm, the café was not a pub and would not be subject to large gatherings or rowdy behaviour.
The Applicant’s representative stated that they were considerate of their neighbours.
The Chair invited questions from all parties.
The Licensing Service Manager referred to the Planning Condition which stipulated a restriction of twelve patrons at any one time and the Applicant’s Representative explained that the limit of twelve patrons was put forward voluntarily as the desire was for a modest café offer. The limit on patrons was an established part of the operations and the Applicant’s Representative stated that there were no plans to change this.
The Interested Party, Mr King asked for clarification on the limit of twelve people and asked if organised events would take place in the courtyard. The Applicant’s Representative stated that twelve patrons would be the maximum and that the courtyard would be used.
Councillor Sandell asked for clarification on the limit of twelve patrons and the Applicant’s Representative stated that this referred to a maximum of twelve customers at any one time.
Councillor Crofts asked how the limit of twelve would be controlled for events and the Applicant’s Representative stated that they would only accept bookings for up to twelve people.
Councillor Crofts referred to the Interested Party’s letter of objection and the referral to public nuisance relating to parking arrangements and the Applicant’s Representative stated that there was no on site car parking and customers who used the driveway were directed to alternative parking places. He stated that the area was not heavy with traffic.
Councillor Crofts referred to the shared driveway and the Applicant’s Representative stated that this was shared by three properties and his neighbour at 12b had written a statement in support of the café.
After seeking advice from the Legal Advisor, the Applicant’s Representative handed up to the Chair of the Sub-Committee a letter submitted by Mr Hewitt, a neighbour who lived at 12b Railway Road. The Chair read out the letter as follows:
I write in to provide supplementary information in support of the Premises Licence Application of the Dial House Café, for consideration of the licencing panel. For context, as the neighbour living at 12B Railway Road, at the top of the driveway for nr12, I have excellent visibility and audibility of the comings and goings of clientele for the Café.
Firstly to advise that going back to the original planning application for the café, I had previously objected to the Café, alongside my neighbours, as I was concerned about potential noise and traffic. I have since come to regret that objection.
Almost 2 years later, I can confirm that the Dial House is a small café catering primarily to the retired community and young families in Downham Market. It is well respected and carefully run, with a distinct focus on a quiet and comfortable experience. Traffic is minimal – there is no parking onsite – and the location does not lend itself to people congregating outside the premises. I can confirm that I have not experienced any nuisance in relation to the Dial House Café since its opening, and instead have come to appreciate its presence and attend regularly.
For this reason, and in fairness to Mr and Mrs Versmissen, I previously decided to offer my full support to subsequent planning applications – and now for this premises licence application. As a former restaurant owner myself, I can see how hard they work to make a small café successful and earn a modest income, and I can see how a premises licence would generate a modest further income and support the preservation of this little café for the people of Downham Market.