Just before Christmas, Emma Ayles, the proprietor of a nearby cafe, was forced to close, leaving eight workers without a job. The strange reason for this regrettable closure? Three neighbors have complained about the clinking of teacups and the apparent bacon odor. This discovery has sparked a flurry of discussion and incredulity.
Following the stunning announcement from planning officials to leave the property immediately, 47-year-old Emma voiced her profound amazement by using adjectives like “heartbroken” and “flabbergasted.” Why? Alleged ‘intolerable harm’ to neighbors’ living conditions as a result of The Caddy Shack Cafe’s existence.
The cafe, ingeniously constructed from a converted metal shipping container, found its home at Weymouth and Portland Rugby Club in Dorset in April 2022. Emma, a mother of two, had relocated from another site in the seaside town. Initially assisted by the rugby club, acting as tenants on the land, Emma set up shop temporarily while pursuing planning permission to make the cafe a permanent fixture.
The cafe quickly became a cherished spot for various groups, including walkers, school children, and disabled individuals on mobility scooters. However, the tranquil ambiance was disrupted when three residents voiced their opposition in October 2022, citing ‘noise and odour’ as grounds for complaint. Allegations of anti-social behavior near the site, coupled with grievances about the ‘smell of bacon’ and the ‘clinking of teaspoons and teacups,’ fueled the controversy.
Despite Emma’s efforts, Dorset Council rejected her bid for retrospective planning permission in February, and a subsequent appeal has now been dismissed, leaving her without recourse. Emma voiced her frustration, highlighting the stress of battling weekly uncertainties about her business’s fate. The abrupt closure, especially on the cusp of the holiday season, compelled her to make the painful decision to let go of eight staff members, some of whom have children or are students.
Emma dismissed the accusations as ‘crazy,’ implying that it would be impossible to resolve the bacon odor issue. She emphasized the ridiculousness of the scenario by pointing out that the wind was primarily blowing in the opposite direction. She bemoaned the effect on the neighborhood that often visited the cafe and criticized the council for failing to assist small companies.
The rugby club voiced dissatisfaction with the ruling in their appeal against the planning decision. The judgment notice concluded that the development creates ‘unacceptable harm’ to the living circumstances of adjoining houses, citing concerns about anti-social conduct and increased traffic at the site.
Weymouth and Portland RFC chairman Anthony Goss recognised the effect on the community, players, families, and the surrounding environment. Reactions on social media ranged from incredulity to condemnation, with one commenter expressing sympathy for the locals and another bemoaning the detrimental effects of the shutdown.
Customers’ support for the cafe has surged in response to its unannounced closure, highlighting its beneficial contributions to the neighborhood. Many people wonder how to strike a balance between helping local businesses and attending to residents’ concerns because of the significant impact on small businesses attempting to survive in a difficult economic environment.
