In an unexpected turn of events, Emma Ayles, owner of The Caddy Shack Cafe, has had to close her beloved establishment, leaving eight employees jobless just before Christmas. The closure followed complaints from three residents about the smell of bacon and the clinking of teacups.
These complaints prompted swift action from planning officials, who determined that the cafe was causing “unacceptable harm” to the nearby residents’ quality of life. This decision came despite the cafe’s popularity and its important role in the community.
Emma Ayles, a 47-year-old mother of two, opened The Caddy Shack Cafe in April 2022. With assistance from the Weymouth and Portland Rugby Club, she transformed a metal shipping container into a cozy cafe while awaiting permanent planning approval.
Quickly becoming a community hub, the cafe was a favorite spot for walkers, schoolchildren, and those using mobility scooters. It was cherished as a place that brought people together. However, in October 2022, three nearby homeowners lodged complaints about the bacon aroma and noise, leading Dorset Council to deny Emma’s application for retrospective planning permission in February. Her later appeal was also rejected, leaving her with no options.
Emma expressed deep disappointment over the closure, emphasizing the impact on her eight staff members, who were either parents or students. She found the complaints about the bacon smell and teacup noise to be exaggerated and humorously suggested switching to chocolate teacups to avoid noise complaints.
Emma lamented the loss of a vital community space, showing concern especially for her regular patrons, including local students and disabled individuals. The Weymouth and Portland Rugby Club, which supported Emma’s appeal, also expressed their disappointment. Chairman Anthony Goss highlighted the challenges small businesses face and thanked the community for their unwavering support.
The closure has sparked outrage on social media, with many people expressing disbelief over the complaints and the decision to close the cafe. This scenario has raised important questions about balancing the needs of residents with supporting local businesses. It remains uncertain whether any further actions will be taken or if there might be a chance to revisit the decision.
