Plans for a mobile cafe to be placed at Cheltenham’s Pittville Pump Room have been approved.
Cheltenham Trust has been granted permission to go ahead with the temporary change of use of the land and the works which include overcladding of the toilets and store.
Some 11 people objected to the proposals which could include an Airstream type trailer used as a cafe.
The planning application was considered by Cheltenham Borough Council on Thursday (August 21)
Officers told the planning committee that they would see details of the proposed mobile cafe, how long it would remain in situ and how the cladding works would look.
This would be secure via planning conditions they told the meeting at the Municipal Offices.
Tables and chairs would be put out each day on the hardstanding or under the portico of the main frontage of the iconic building, they said.
Councillor Steinhardt (LD, Benhall, the Reddings and Fiddler’s Green) said he was concerned about the proposals next to a grade I-listed building which is “probably the town’s most important building”.
“There’s an intention of which we don’t quite know what the status of the vehicle will be, but to put it outside there with some tables and chairs which again we don’t quite know,” he said.
“I feel that this is a situation whereby we should be trying to preserve the outlook of our grade one building to the best that we can, and I’m afraid I can’t really bring myself to support it.”
Councillor Adrian Bamford (LD, Up Hatherley) said the trust has been looking for various ways to minimise what is substantial loss of income.
“I’m not sure you can go much more minimal with this,” he said.
He said he shared Cllr Steinhardt’s concerns over lack of detail but said the previous cafe was well liked.
Councillor Frank Allen (LD, Swindon Village) said it is “absolutely crucial” that the Trust still receives the funds that they need.
“It always goes back to this question of heritage being supported versus being impacted,” he said.
“If we don’t fund things like Cheltenham Trust, the Pittville Pump Room will inevitably come into more disrepair than it would if this cafe was outside of it.
“On the balance of that, I’m minded to say I should support this application because it gives funds to the trust. “
Councillor Jan Foster (G, Prestbury) said visitors want more than a postcard and “need to have something to go for”
“It’s a long hike from the other cafe for some people up to the pump rooms.
“I would actually like to see some sort of permanent cafe in the pump rooms. I think this is a poor alternative, but I support it. “
The committee voted to approve the plans by six votes to one with one abstention.