Cycling cafe project gets the go-ahead

Plans for a cycle cafe on a former bus depot site have been given the go-ahead.

A trio of cycling enthusiasts believe the riverside land in Wye which once housed the Poynters Coaches site is the perfect spot for the new venture.

Jez Smith, Matt Hayday and Keith Owen intend to use old shipping containers to house The Hub, and they hope that if it is a success then other small start-ups will decide to set up shop in additional containers alongside the main cafe.

The plans for the Churchfield Way spot have been prepared by OSG Architecture, whose director is co-founder Mr Owen.

Cycling cafes have become increasingly popular in recent years and, according to the team’s feedback, many of Kent’s cycle groups say Wye would be an ideal place for a pit-stop while out exploring the county’s countryside on two wheels.

Speaking when the plans were first unveiled, Mr Hayday said: “My team and I have had the dream to open a business like The Hub for decades.

“We really hope people will be supportive of our vision.”

Neighbours consulted on the plans came out broadly in favour of the scheme, which will create not only a new amenity for the community but hopefully local jobs too.

“The concept offers benefits and addresses several policy aims within the Wye Neighbourhood Plan,” the parish council wrote in support of the plans.

“These benefits include local employment, an additional social destination.

“The scheme is also an opportunity to provide attractive green buffer planting to provide a sense of welcome and enclosure, and visual screening to the industrial units to the north, and to the adjacent Southern Water waste pumping station.”

News of the scheme’s approval was met with a positive reaction on our KentOnline website.

One reader wrote: “Great development. Only wish that a decent dedicated bicycle shop was in the area now.”

Another said: “Looks good to me. It may need a few signs around the centre of the village as it’s just off the main cycle route.”

■ Visit www.hubwye.com for more details.

Picture: OSG Architecture The cycling cafe site is not far from the village’s railway station; right, bosses say the facility will offer cyclists and walkers great views of the River Stour while they rest and have some coffee and cake