A “LAST-DITCH” attempt to relocate a Christchurch cafe may end in disappointment.

Planning officers at Christchurch Borough Council have recommended the application to move Kelly’s Kitchen into Jarvis Radio for refusal due to the number of cafes in the town.

Councillors will make a final decision at a planning committee meeting on February 2.

Planning officer Mark Taylor explained the decision, saying: “We are trying to maintain the volume of retail in the High Street. We appreciate that it (Kelly’s Kitchen) is moving within the High Street but the unit left behind will not be used as a shop and therefore still affects the percentage of food outlets.”

Terry Kelly said: “We do understand the concerns over retail space but what we do not understand is why these concerns were not implemented on a very recent application for change of use from A1 to A3 for Pizza Express; a business yet to prove its worth as an addition to the High Street.

“The granting of this application also forced the closure of a very good retail business. In the present climate Christchurch Borough Council should be looking at every opportunity to encourage every successful independent business in the High Street to flourish.”

What Kelly's Kitchen customers had to say...

Eleanor Hodgson, who regularly visits Kelly’s Kitchen when she is on holiday from Wales said: “I always come back here. It’s a friendly place and I can’t understand why the council wouldn’t want something like this.

“Just because there are other cafes doesn’t mean there isn’t a place for this one.”

Sally Hamilton said: “It’s a real shame if it actually happens.

“It is the only one of its kind in the town. The food is always really very nice and it’s pleasant to be here.”

David Marshall said: “We come in here quite regularly. It is a big part of the town and makes it look vibrant, as there are always people in here. If it moved to Jarvis, which I hope it does, we would still go there. I hope the councillors can do something.”