In a surprising twist, cafe owner Emma Ayles had to shut down her beloved business, causing eight employees to lose their jobs, all because three neighbors complained about the smell of bacon and the sound of clinking teacups. The decision was made by planning officials who swiftly took action after hearing the complaints. Emma, a 47-year-old mother of two, shared her heartbreak about closing her cafe just before Christmas.
The issue began when officials determined that The Caddy Shack Cafe, which Emma had been running successfully, was causing “unacceptable harm” to nearby residents. Emma opened the cafe in April 2022, transforming a metal shipping container into a charming spot, with the support of the Weymouth and Portland Rugby Club in Dorset. Although the club allowed her to temporarily operate on their land while she sought permanent planning permission, unforeseen challenges arose.
The cafe quickly became a beloved spot in the community, drawing in walkers, schoolchildren, and people with disabilities on mobility scooters. It wasn’t just a cafe; it became a hub for different groups, fostering a sense of community and belonging.
However, the tranquility shattered when three nearby homeowners raised concerns about “noise and odor” in October 2022. These complaints were enough for Dorset Council to deny Emma’s application for retrospective planning permission in February. An appeal followed, but it too was dismissed, leaving Emma with no other options.
Emma voiced her frustration, explaining, “It’s been an ongoing battle, very stressful, not knowing week to week if we could stay open. Then, on Saturday, I was told to close the next day. Right before Christmas, I had to let go of eight staff members who have families or are students. It was a heartbreaking conversation, and no one understands why we were shut down. Everyone is in shock.”
The specific complaints about the “smell of bacon” and the “sound of teacups” seemed absurd to Emma, who pointed out that the wind usually blew the bacon scent away from the complainants’ homes. She jokingly added, “Do they expect us to use chocolate teacups to avoid any noise?”
Emma also had strong words for the council’s decision, highlighting the cafe’s importance to the community. She mentioned the regular visitors from the Wyvern School and those needing accessible places for their mobility scooters. Her concern was for her loyal customers, as she shared, “I feel terrible for the community since groups gathered here daily.”
The Weymouth and Portland Rugby Club, who filed the appeal against the planning decision, expressed their disappointment. Club chairman Anthony Goss stressed the challenges faced by small businesses, especially during tough economic times, and thanked the cafe’s dedicated patrons for their support.
The closure decision has sparked outrage on social media, with many expressing their disbelief at the complaints and subsequent action. One user, Kati Eastwood, mockingly addressed the noise and smell complaints, while another, Jon Fells, praised the cafe and mourned its closure.
This controversial situation raises questions about balancing support for local businesses with addressing residents’ concerns. It remains uncertain if any further steps will be taken to resolve the issue or if the decision to close The Caddy Shack Cafe will be reconsidered.
