A local cafe owner, Emma Ayles, has been forced to shutter her business just before Christmas, leaving eight employees jobless. The peculiar cause behind this unfortunate closure? Complaints from three neighbors about the apparent smell of bacon and the clinking of teacups. This revelation has ignited a firestorm of debate and disbelief.
Emma, 47, expressed her deep dismay, using words like ‘heartbroken’ and ‘flabbergasted’ after planning officials delivered the shocking news to vacate the premises immediately. The reason? Alleged ‘unacceptable harm’ caused to the living conditions of neighbors due to the presence of The Caddy Shack Cafe.
The cafe, ingeniously constructed from a converted metal shipping container, found its home at Weymouth and Portland Rugby Club in Dorset in April 2022. Emma, a mother of two, had relocated from another site in the seaside town. Initially assisted by the rugby club, acting as tenants on the land, Emma set up shop temporarily while pursuing planning permission to make the cafe a permanent fixture.
The cafe quickly became a cherished spot for various groups, including walkers, school children, and disabled individuals on mobility scooters. However, the tranquil ambiance was disrupted when three residents voiced their opposition in October 2022, citing ‘noise and odour’ as grounds for complaint. Allegations of anti-social behavior near the site, coupled with grievances about the ‘smell of bacon’ and the ‘clinking of teaspoons and teacups,’ fueled the controversy.
Despite Emma’s efforts, Dorset Council rejected her bid for retrospective planning permission in February, and a subsequent appeal has now been dismissed, leaving her without recourse. Emma voiced her frustration, highlighting the stress of battling weekly uncertainties about her business’s fate. The abrupt closure, especially on the cusp of the holiday season, compelled her to make the painful decision to let go of eight staff members, some of whom have children or are students.
Emma ridiculed the complaints as ‘ridiculous,’ questioning the feasibility of addressing concerns about the smell of bacon. She pointed out that the wind mostly blew in the opposite direction, emphasizing the absurdity of the situation. Criticizing the council for not supporting small businesses, she lamented the impact on the community that frequented the cafe daily.
The rugby club, submitting an appeal against the planning decision, expressed disappointment with the judgment. Concerns about anti-social behavior and increased traffic at the site were cited, with the decision notice concluding that the development causes ‘unacceptable harm’ to neighboring properties’ living conditions.
Anthony Goss, chairman of Weymouth and Portland RFC, acknowledged the impact on the local area, players, families, and the community. Social media reactions ranged from disbelief to condemnation, with one commenter expressing empathy for the residents and another lamenting the closure’s negative repercussions.
This unexpected shutdown has ignited a wave of support from patrons, emphasizing the positive role the cafe played in the community. The profound impact on small businesses trying to navigate a challenging economic climate resonates deeply, leaving many questioning the balance between addressing residents’ concerns and supporting
