Village cafe which closed over minimum wage increase to be converted into flat
A village coffee shop said to be “no longer commercially viable” due to minimum wage and National Insurance rises is to be converted into a flat.
The owners of Whisk Cafe, in Walton, said the business had closed due to “long-term financial losses.”
Wakefield Council planning officers have approved an application to return the vacant property on School Lane to residential use.
A planning statement submitted on behalf of the applicant said: “The café is no longer commercially viable due to recent government changes to minimum wage and National Insurance.
“Despite efforts to maintain operations, trade levels have not supported the continued use and running costs of the premises as a café.”
The terraced property dates back to the late 1800s and was previously used for housing.
The statement added: “The surrounding context is overwhelmingly residential, making the proposed use entirely compatible with the area.
“The café is now closing due to long-term financial losses, which will leave the ground-floor unit vacant.
“The proposal seeks to bring the building back into productive use through the creation of a high-quality residential dwelling that aligns with the surrounding residential character of School Lane.”
Approving the plan, a council officer’s report said the application was “considered acceptable”, subject to conditions.