New lake-side cafe approved on the edge of the Rugby borough - but only for anglers

Hungry anglers will soon be able to tuck into breakfasts and burgers after permission was given for a new purpose-built cafe at Burton Farm Fishery in Burton Hastings.
Burton Farm Fishery in Burton HastingsBurton Farm Fishery in Burton Hastings
Burton Farm Fishery in Burton Hastings

But worries that the lake-side eatery could attract others including dog walkers and boaters using the nearby canal could see conditions tightened so that only those fishing will be served.

Planning permission was approved at this week’s Rugby Borough Council planning committee when councillors were told that the cafe had already been built at the site on Burton Lane.

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Cllr Toby Lawrence (Con, Bilton) said: “I don’t think we want to see advertisements of a cafe on that road or on moorings encouraging people to use this outside of the fisheries.”

That was also the view of Cllr Adam Daly (Con, Hillmorton) who added: “I wouldn't have as much concern for this building if it were a kitchenette for members of the angling club to use - somewhere to make a cup of tea before going out. However, the talk about traditional cafe style meals such as breakfasts, sandwiches, burgers and fries means I’m not quite sure how that’s not going to add to the number of visitors that are going to turn up here on a busy Saturday morning. I’m happy to support if it was for members only.”

There was also opposition from neighbours and from Burton Hastings and Stretton Baskerville Parish Council whose concerns included increased noise from the development , traffic and that proposed opening hours were not consistent with those of the fishery leading to an assumption that the cafe was not solely for the use of anglers.

Planning officers suggested that a condition which stated the building could only be used in association with existing business operations at the fishery could be strengthened to stop it being used by the wider community but this prompted a rethink from Cllr Daly.

He said: “I am slightly concerned about a proposal that puts such a strict condition on members only. If there is a daytime charity event put on by the fishery, I would hate to completely make that impossible to do.”

Cllr Belinda Garcia (Con, Binley and Revel Woods) added: “It will be very difficult for someone to police and if you are going to allow a catering business in the green belt like that then you are almost setting it up for failure if you are saying that the people mooring the boats or walking through can’t use it.”

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Following a lengthy debate, councillors agreed to approve the plans and a condition on membership which will be strengthened without it being unduly restrictive. Opening hours, which will vary between summer and winter, will be agreed with officers.