Plans submitted for community-focused catering trailer at Yorkshire village green

The plan, slated for Oxenhope Millennium Green, aims to introduce a new refreshment offer for residents and visitors while supporting local producers and sustainable practices.

The application seeks permission to site a 3.5-metre Airstream-style catering trailer on the Green, near Station Road.

A planning application said the trailer would be “finished in muted, natural tones”, and is designed to £blend into the rural setting and complement the tranquil character of the open space£.

If approved, the business would serve artisan coffee, breakfast and lunch options, with a strong emphasis on locally sourced and Fair Trade produce.

The proposed menu includes coffee and tea from North Star Roastery, homemade focaccia panini, cakes from The Cake Shed, pastries from Dumouchel in Leeds, and meats supplied by Ellison’s Butchers. Yorkshire-produced dairy and condiments would also be used.

Applicants say the project would bring clear community benefits, helping to strengthen the green’s role as a social and visitor hub.

Oxenhope Millennium Green is already a popular destination, attracting around 125,000 heritage railway passengers each year from the nearby Keighley & Worth Valley Railway, alongside tens of thousands of walkers and cyclists using local routes.

The catering trailer is intended to encourage visitors to stay longer in the village, provide a welcoming meeting point, and create a focal space for social interaction within the Green.

Initially, the trailer would operate from Friday to Sunday and on bank holidays, between 9am and 4pm. Once established, opening days could be extended to Mondays and Thursdays.

The business plans to operate year-round, with reduced winter hours, typically closing at 3pm. Operating hours and days would be reviewed after the first few months to reflect seasonal demand.

Access would be via the existing gated entrance on Station Road, with the trailer positioned on a level area near the main path to ensure accessibility and maintain pedestrian flow. Arrival and departure would take place outside trading hours, and the operator would hold gate keys by agreement with the committee.

A small, informal seating area is also proposed, including up to four tables and chairs and a lightweight canopy or parasol. All furniture and coverings would be temporary and removed at the end of each trading day to preserve the openness of the site.

Environmental considerations form a key part of the proposal. Waste would be managed and removed daily, with separate bins for recycling, compostables and general waste. The operator has committed to using biodegradable or compostable packaging only, avoiding single-use plastics, and encouraging customers to use reusable cups.

The applicants confirm they are registered as a food business with Bradford Council and received a five-star food hygiene rating following an inspection in October. Appropriate food safety, gas, electrical and fire safety measures would be in place, alongside public liability and vehicle insurance.

A full planning application was submitted in August and is currently awaiting a decision. The proposal also suggests a future pitch rental agreement with the Millennium Green Committee, with income from the venture potentially contributing towards the upkeep and improvement of the Green.

Supporters say the scheme offers a chance to enhance the visitor experience, support local businesses and Fair Trade principles, and add long-term value to Oxenhope Millennium Green as a vibrant community asset.

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