One of Minehead's most beautiful open spaces is under threat. There is a planning application to dramatically expand the old cafe in Blenheim Gardens. The application states the cafe will be open until 11:00pm seven days per week. The park closes at dusk.

The applicant is the proprietor of Bar 21, a cafe bar situated on the Avenue. This bar is a source of noise. Many people feel that the town does not need another noisy bar, in particular one which occupies space in the gardens.

The renovation and reopening of the cafe is welcome, the original cafe served refreshments and light lunches to the visitors to the gardens. The present proposal is for a cafe with over 100 covers opening 16 hours per day. This is not renovation of the old cafe. It will remain open after the gardens close in the evening. There is great danger of noise, anti-social behaviour and damage to the gardens. The development will require the removal of a number of fine mature trees.

As yet there have been no applications for serving alcohol or music but it is suspected that these will be necessary to make such a large development financially viable.

If this application is approved and alcohol and music licences are granted the peace and tranquillity of the park will be compromised.

If the development goes ahead it sets a precedent for the development in other parks and open spaces in the area.

Blenheim Gardens lies within the Minehead Wellington Square Conservation Area.

Please sign the petition if you object to this development, tell your friends and neighbours, share on social media.

Click here to go to Somerset West Planning and leave a comment