A BOOMING Barrow business looks set to be given official council permission to expand – despite concerns being raised over its new base.

GRILLa Cheese has moved from a stall on Barrow market to 21 Dalkeith Street at its junction with Buccleuch Street, following a surge in popularity.

But the move requires winning backdated planning permission from Barrow Borough Council.

Business owner Malcolm Lingard has applied to the council to officially change the use of the building from an empty retail unit to a café and takeaway.

Residents living nearby have been consulted by the council and two to three objections have been lodged against the plans.

The concerns raised relate to the proposed opening hours and the potential for the site to generate after-hours noise or disturbance, said a report to the planning committee.

However, Barrow Borough Council planning officers have recommended the new premises be allowed to stay and said the operators have pledged to be a good neigbours.

Planning officer Jennifer Dickinson said that the proposed opening hours are 9am-3pm Mon-Thu; 9am-3am Fri-Sat; and 9am-5pm on Sunday.

However, she wrote: “The applicant explains that they have no intention initially of opening until 3am. They have applied for 3am opening in the event that the business is successful enough to warrant this and thus to remove the need for a further application.”

Other nearby takeaways have to close at midnight, the report said.

Cumbria County Council highways officials have told Barrow council that the area is prone to parking problems. The county council believes the ‘increased demand’ for parking could have a ‘detrimental impact’ on road safety, it said.

However, Barrow council has said the new cafe previously operated as a shop and did not have any dedicated on-site spaces.

“There is on-street parking on Dalkeith Street and adjacent streets in

close proximity to the site and a car park nearby in Whitaker Street,” said Mrs Dickinson’s report.

The business would bring ‘benefits’ including the re-use of an empty town centre unit and a wider choice of food for local customers.

The report said: “Following discussions with the applicant they are keen to keep good neighbour relations on the site.”

“In terms of economic development, the application is to be welcomed.”

Barrow council’s planning committee, chaired by Cllr Colin Thomson, will decide on the application at a meeting in the town hall on Tuesday (Aug 6).