Plans to convert 'redundant' café in restaurant and flat

Located on the site of Kingsley Animal Feeds, on Mill Lane, Mill House Café ceased trading in January 2020, according to current change of use application.

It adds the building itself is now 'redundant'.

The owner wants to retain the former 60-seater ground floor trading area, which had an additional 30-seater area for private bookings, as a hospitality space, though now with a licence to sell alcohol.

The request for change of use permission also includes plans to convert the first floor into a spacious single storey flat.

In addition to three bedrooms, the plans for the flat also include a separate study, a spacious dressing room, and a utility area.

According to the application, the proposed restaurant would employ two full time members of staff alongside three part time.

The site measure approximately 1,744sqm, including outside space adjacent to Mill Pond.

The plans suggests two existing outside pergolas would be retained and used for al fresco lunches and dining.  

The proposed opening hours for the restaurant are stated as 9am to 10pm weekdays, including Saturday, and 10am to 8pm on Sundays and Bank Holidays.

The plans were received by Chester West and Chester Council (CWAC) planners on Tuesday, April 28, who are yet to come to a decision.

Kingsley Animal Feeds is a family business which has been serving the Cheshire farming community for more than 100 years, but is now also the go-to place for local horse owners to buy feed and equipment.

The site is also home to Groomingtails Groom School and Dog Spa, which offers training courses for would-be dog groomers.

Mill House Café first opened its doors in November 2015 in what was once a tack and clothing store.

The site is some way from the centre of the village heading along the B5153 in the direction of Crowton.