Grounded’s plans to open a new café bar in Keynsham in time for Christmas are looking unlikely after planners delayed making a decision on whether to approve the scheme until they have been to visit the site.
The application to convert the old Lloyds Bank building in the High Street was deferred by Bath & North East Somerset Council’s development control committee yesterday afternoon.
It had been recommended for approval by planning officers and some work has already been taking place on the building.
The hold-up means there is now no chance of permission being granted before 10th December – the date of the next development control committee – effectively scuppering any chance Grounded had of being open before Christmas, as they had hoped.
A number of objections to the plan were received before the meeting and among those speaking it at the meeting at the Guildhall yesterday was Cllr Charles Gerrish, who was supported by fellow Keynsham councillor Brian Organ.
The main issues for concern revolved around the building’s proximity to the sheltered homes in Back Lane – especially the proposed rear garden of the café bar, which would open late into the evening, the proximity to the Baptist Church and the adverse impact on the conservation area from new folding glass doors at the front.
The Grounded chain, founded by Keynsham-born Tobie Holbrook, already has cafes on Church Road in Redfield, at Sandy Park Road in Brislington, on Bedminster Parade, Gloucester Road, Horfield and in Corsham and is also hoping to open in Fishponds.
Grounded café bars open all day, serving breakfast, lunch and food in the evening, when local musicians often perform.
