Cocktails plan for bridal boutique
THE owner of a popular town centre restaurant has unveiled plans to expand his empire into a neighbouring wedding shop.
Leek Bar and Grill, based in the town’s Getliffes Yard, wants to take over the adjacent building as well as the outdoor courtyard to offer a dedicated area for drinkers.
Owner Ozgur Yeter says the former wedding shop would become a cocktail bar.
Planning and licensing applications for the scheme have been lodged with Staffordshire Moorlands District Council.
A statement to the council reads: “The adjoining building is intended to operate as an extension of the business, providing a drinking facility separate from the restaurant. It is located at the ‘head’ of Getliffes Yard and has openings onto the yard.
“It is proposed to convert the wedding shop into a new bar area by extending out into Getliffes Yard, with a glazed lean-to roof and sliding folding doors to enclose the new area.”
Mr Yeter says he has received no complaints since opening the business.
But a number of residents have submitted objections to the expansion plan – especially the proposed 1am closing time.
Local businessman Neil Deaville said: “The noise would be too much for residents, especially with the increased footfall.”
David Brough, of Bath Street, said he has no objection to the application – so long as a door onto Bath Street is not used by customers or for smoking.
He said: “I want the doors on Bath Street to adhere to the original planning permission that they are used as a fire escape and for deliveries only.
“They are, on numerous occasions, left open and used as an entrance and exit allowing people to stand outside smoking. At times we are unable to enjoy our front room and bedroom due to people making a lot of noise. An extension to the licence will only prolong this nuisance.”
Members of the council’s licensing sub-committee will rule on the application at a meeting on Friday, September 6.