Atkinson’s coffee house in Lancaster

A new coffee shop and ice cream parlour is due to open on Winckley Street after planning permission was granted.

Plans from Hazelwells Estate Agent for their former offices on the street showed a change of use for a new boutique cafe.

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It would be linked with the Atkinson coffee house group in Lancaster, who would train baristas ahead of launch.

The proposal was met with an objection from a neighbouring cafe who said there were already too many cafes and restaurants on the street.

A report by city council planning officers said: “The letter does state that out of 17 businesses trading on Winckley Street there are three restaurants, two cafes and a deli, and that the proposal would result in a saturation of this type of use, which would lead to more premises falling empty.”

However, planning officers felt the cafe plan would “complement city centre shopping trips, and the cafe would also be open into the evening, contributing to the evening economy.

“Other benefits would be the economic benefits of these premises remaining occupied rather than falling vacant.”

Winckley Street has a number of cafes and restaurants on its cobbled street

Hazewells stated in their original planning application: “The focus of the proposed venture would be to offer locally sourced artisan coffees, ice creams, quality cakes, light snacks and other hot & cold drinks throughout the daytime and early evening and would not be to concentrate on serving cooked meals.

“The proposal would boost the local economy by initially generating two full time jobs and four part-time jobs.”

Hazelwells have moved to a new office on Winckley Square itself.

Image credit to David Bleasdale