SHOPPERS BACK STORE EXTENSION

Improvements plan for café, entrance and barista at Morrisons

SHOPPERS have welcomed plans to extend a supermarket – in a project to improve the café and entrance.

The scheme at Morrisons, in Stone, also includes an additional barista area for shoppers looking for refreshments on the move.

Designs put to planners at Stafford Borough Council have revealed all three elements would sit under the existing canopy.

The plans involve expanding both the entrance lobby and café, along with creating the barista area at the right-side of the Mill Street store.

The planning application states: “The exterior design means that the proposals tie into the existing store facade, with brickwork and glazed screens to match.

“The existing number of standard, disabled and parent and child parking spaces will not be affected by the proposal.

“No changes will be made to the rest of the store exterior.”

Customers are pleased with the plans and feel the expansion is necessary.

Lucinda Ward, aged 59, of Stone, said: “I think it’s well needed.

“The shop gets busy and so adding extra space is a good idea – especially in the café as it’s always busy no matter what time of day or night.

“I think the Co-op shutting in the town centre put more demand on this store, and it’s great that the plans won’t mean losing parking spaces.

“It also won’t change the look of the store as they’re using available space.”

Matt Nichols, aged 65, of Stone, said: “I’d be happy to see this done. Any addition is great and I’m glad it won’t affect the car park.”

Howard Timmis, aged 56, of Yarnfield, said: “My wife and I use the café, which is often busy, so there is a need for more seating and I think we’d use the barista area too.

“We’re disabled, so I’m happy the plans won’t mean removing any disabled parking bays.”

Margaret Barrett, aged 75, of Stone, said: “I don’t see why these plans shouldn’t go ahead.

“Sometimes when I use the café it can be hard to find a seat, and the barista addition will split customers so it will be quicker for those just wanting a drink, while more seats will be available for those eating.

“I think it’s a good use of wasted space, especially with the café plan which will be a much better use than the current area.”

The plans will now be considered by the borough council.