AN APPLICATION to turn a beauty salon into a café and cocktail bar has been approved this week.

A planning document said the proposal seeks permission for the change of use of buildings and land from Sui Generis (Beauty Salon) to E (Café or restaurant) and Sui Generis (Drinking Establishment) use on 43, Holyrood Street in Chard.

The document quoted South West Heritage Trust: "As far as we are aware there are limited or no archaeological implications to this proposal and we therefore have no objections on archaeological grounds."

It also quoted Area Highways: "I note they are proposing tables and chairs on the footway to the front of the site.

“If granted permission, they would be unable to place this furniture on the highway without an appropriate licence and they should contact my colleague in the Road Records Team at their earliest convenience.

“A bin storage point would be beneficial to stop rubbish being left on the highway. The site is very close to a number of large car parks, so the loss of onsite parking doesn't exercise me unduly."

The document also explained that “two representations were received in objection to the proposal”.

They said “another café exists nearby”, and mentioned “noise concerns”, “lack of fire exits”, and “use of the car park for business visitors” as the reasons for their objections.

The planning document’s conclusion also read: “Whilst recognising the neighbour objections, it is considered that, with the imposition of conditions, the proposed development will not result in demonstrable harm to neighbouring amenity and is therefore acceptable and recommended for approval.”