Cafe forced to close after complaints about noise from ‘clinking teacups’
The Caddy Shack cafe has had to close immediately and the owner has been told to leave the site – BNPS A cafe owner has been forced to close her business after neighbours complained about noise from “clinking teacups”. Emma Ayles, 47, who runs the Caddy Shack Cafe in Weymouth, Dorset, said she was “heartbroken” after planning officials told her and staff to leave the site immediately, just weeks before Christmas.
Ms Ayles built the cafe from a converted metal shipping container at Weymouth and Portland Rugby Club in April 2022 after relocating from another site at the seaside town. The rugby club helped her set up on the site temporarily, as she sought planning permission to make the cafe permanent. The cafe has become a popular community gathering spot for walkers and schoolchildren passing by.
But officials have decided the cafe caused “unacceptable harm” to the living conditions of neighbours and ordered its closure.
Cafe owner Emma Ayles, 47, says she is also “heartbroken” at having to make eight people redundant before Christmas – BNPS Three residents of the area had voiced their opposition to the application on “noise and odour” grounds in October last year. Objectors claimed there was antisocial behaviour close to the site, with complaints made about the “smell of bacon” and “of hearing teaspoons and teacups”.
Dorset council rejected Ms Ayles’ bid for retrospective planning permission in February and now her appeal has been denied. Ms Ayles said: “It’s been a constant battle, and so stressful wondering if the business will stay open every week, and then on Saturday I was told to close the next day. “It’s just before Christmas and I’ve had to let eight staff members go.
They have children or are students.”
Ridiculous complaints
She added: “To complain about the smell of bacon is ridiculous. And 90 per cent of the time the wind blows the other way from that house. “What do they want us to do, use chocolate teacups so there is no sound?
“The council should be supporting small businesses yet they have given in to the ridiculous complaints of three residents.” The appeal against the planning decision to refuse permanent status for the cafe was submitted by the rugby club. Story continues
Anthony Goss, chairman of Weymouth and Portland RF, said: “We’re disappointed with the judgment and the impact it will bring to the local area, not just to players and their families but to the community. “It’s very sad for a small business making its way in a tough climate and sad for the staff. “The support from people has been unbelievable.
A huge thanks to all the customers for making the place what it is.” Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism.
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