In a shocking turn of events, a cafe owner, Emma Ayles, has been forced to close her business, leaving eight people unemployed, after three neighbors raised complaints about the cafe’s activities. The complaints primarily centered around the smell of bacon and the noise of clinking teacups, leading planning officials to take swift action. Emma Ayles, a 47-year-old mother of two, expressed her devastation at losing her business just before Christmas due to the unexpected closure.
The controversy erupted after officials concluded that The Caddy Shack Cafe, a popular establishment run by Emma, was causing “unacceptable harm” to the living conditions of nearby residents. Emma had set up the cafe in April 2022, converting a metal shipping container into a cozy cafe, in collaboration with Weymouth and Portland Rugby Club in Dorset. Initially, the rugby club had allowed her to temporarily operate on their land while she pursued permanent planning permission for the cafe.
The cafe swiftly became a favorite spot for the local community, attracting walkers, school children, and disabled individuals on mobility scooters. It served as a meeting point for various groups, fostering a sense of community and providing a welcoming space for all.
However, the harmony was disrupted when three residents living near the cafe raised concerns about “noise and odor” emanating from the establishment in October 2022. These complaints led to Dorset Council rejecting Emma’s application for retrospective planning permission in February, and her subsequent appeal was also denied, leaving her with no recourse.