Plans for another town centre coffee shop

Looking at the application, I would have thought that more information was needed regarding waste disposal.

The quality of drawn plans submitted is not up to standard.Perhaps there should be(at some stage) an undertaking that the premises will not spread out on to the public footpath on a busy junction.

I hope that councillors of Wilmslow Town Council and Cheshire East will give a little time to look at possible overprovision of coffee shops in Wilmslow, especially in this case where change of use is involved.

Finally.... plans for a coffee shop coming to Wilmslow. I thought we would never get somwhere to drink coffee in Wilmslow!

I'm delighted to read that such a large unit in such a prominent position in Wilmslow will be occupied. I don't mind another coffee shop in Wilmslow, but would really welcome the creation of a venue that would replace what used to be the Wilmslow Wine Bar.
Knutsford Wine Bar is an absolute copy of the Wilmslow Wine Bar and still prospers today. Bring us a venue for the people of Wilmslow (no, not a Weatherspoons, which is what The Old Dancer appears to be), where we can entertain guests and friends, enjoy good food and some live music, have other venues in walking distance for a touch of variety in the evening, and let's bring some social action back to Wilmslow. This venue would be perfect!

I just fear that there is too much competition for coffee shops, but welcome one that is not a large chain. It would make the corner appear vibrant if they could open it up like Petit Delice.
Hope it goes well.

Oh no not another load of tables and chairs to walk round!! We have enough coffee shops in Wilmslow, we need interesting independent shops.

Why does the council keep allowing change of usage of shops? Every time they allow this, especially changing it to yet another coffee shop,why don't they think about the small independent coffee shop that can't compete with the larger shops and puts them out of business as has happened to my daughter and son inlaw, they have worked so hard to make there little shop successful but then the big boys arrive and whallop!! Why is everyone into BRANDING? give the little shops a chance I am sure you will be surprised as you are not just a number, they actually care!!!!!!!

Crissy, two words sum it up quite easy....... rents and rates. Until they come down to a sensible level, independants have no chance and all we will have is streets full of costa's et al. Im glad it's not going to be an empty unit, but it there is never a chance an independant will get in that unit again with the costs the way they are nowadays.

Better a coffee shop than the eyesore of another empty town centre shop....OK we have a plethora of coffee shops already, but they all appear busy !!..... and so do all those in Alderley Edge.!!! So Costa Coffee is owned by Whitbread .. Im sure most of their shops are more profitable than their pubs !!. there's obviously a viable caffeine addiction to quench in our small town ! Good luck to the new business.

Crissy. The council has no choice but to allow it as legislation automatically allows it ( See the Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) Order 1987 (as amended)).

Another retailer bites the dust. When there is nothing to buy why would shoppers come? At £2.50 a go 41pence is VAT and around 15pence on the coffee and cup. plenty of profit to pay rent and rates. no retailers can match that markup. No business lessons please - I know there are other costs!

There is a simple business solution to the continued demise of the high street. Cut the red tape, reduce business rates and rental agreements and make business start-ups easier. Why on earth would you open a shop on the high street when retailing online is a fraction of the cost. Councils and commercial property owners need to wake and deal with the online revolution in a competitive manner...... come on guys, it's only been happening for the last decade.

A tough call to say no and a tough call to say yes! There are more than sufficient coffee shops in Wilmslow now one could well argue. But........ an empty premises in such a prominent position would reflect poorly on Wilmslow.
Good luck to those that have to decide, good job it's not me.

I've often said that was a great place for a coffee shop and it looks like those and cafe's are the only shops that are busy in Wilmslow (unless it's an independent as Rise are up for sale it seems). Whilst there's a lot of people asking for interesting independent shops they never last as the rent/rates are too high to support independent retail shops in Wilmslow and I'm not convinced shop owners do enough market research to see what shops people in Wilmslow want before they open up.

Wilmslow twinned with Seattle!

In recent years central Wilmslow has also lost several national chain brands for various Company reasons - Argos, McDonalds, Jessops, Pret a Manger
Safeways. The trend seems to be for other national chains to open smaller convenience stores like Morrison's, or piggy back them with petrol stations eg Co-op & M&S food outlets.
Will the likes of Costa Coffee and Starbucks stay when customer footfall falls below economic level?
Whilst I wish this new venture well, it will have to compete with other established and future outlet profits in the regional chain, similar to the now closed chocolatiers, with a growing number of Wilmslow coffee shops and cafes. In this application, there does not appear to be sufficient space for CEC to licence public pavement 'al fresco' customer seating.
Whilst WTC can only comment on any planning application to CEC, the final CEC decision should reflect CEC's aim to maintain vibrant Town centres.
Most local independent businesses and start ups prefer the lower cost rent & rates shopping areas of Chapel La and Summerfields, thus contributing to the demise of central Wilmslow shops.

There are now 15 coffee outlets in the town centre. I may go in once a week to Delice ,or Hoopers. Lots of the sales are take-outs,with cars stopping outside, for a coffee on-the-go.How will that work, on Water lane ,traffic lights and no outside seating??
I do think this site would make a really high-class tea rooms,with smart waiters,sandwiches,cakes,scones,lovely selection of teas and perhaps small salads. In a way the old 'Silver service' I remember very well. It would go down well with the 'Ladies who lunch' But please not another coffee shop!!

I share the sentiments expressed by Clive Bassil; this is a dificult decision for the Planners to make. I urge caution. The application looks hurried and perhaps not fully thought through.In the long term a change of use from a retail shop to a cafe selling coffee could be detrimental to the town. A period of no occupancy is not necessarily a bad thing if a new retail business can be attracted to this key site. A more innovative proposal may be forthcoming soon. Wilmslow shopping area is already desperately over supplied with coffee shops and bars.