Plans for a brand new cafe and takeaway facility have emerged in Wolverhampton following the enforced removal of an unauthorised marquee at a popular local sweet shop. The development represents a significant shift in strategy for the business owners after their temporary structure was deemed unacceptable by planning authorities.
From Marquee to Permanent Cafe
Amritsar Sweets and Catering, located on Dudley Road in the Blakenhall area of Wolverhampton, installed a substantial marquee behind their premises in early 2022 without obtaining the necessary planning permission. This temporary structure, which could accommodate approximately 70 people, was intended to host up to two private functions weekly, with attendance limited to 30 guests and no alcohol service or music played.
Planning Permission Rejections
The City of Wolverhampton Council first ordered the marquee's removal last year after the business failed to secure proper authorisation. In January, the council formally rejected a retrospective planning application that sought permission for the structure to remain in place. The owners subsequently appealed this decision to the government's planning inspectors, hoping to overturn the local authority's ruling.
Both the council and the independent planning inspector upheld the rejection, creating a definitive conclusion to the marquee dispute. The council's planning department criticised the structure as being "out of scale" with its surroundings and constructed from "poor-quality materials" that "detracted from the appearance and character of the street."
New Development Proposal
In response to these rejections, business owner Mahinder Singh has submitted a fresh planning application for a more permanent solution. The proposed development includes:
- A 20-seat cafe and takeaway facility
- Construction on land behind the existing Amritsar Sweets premises
- A separate entrance from Sedgley Road
- A purpose-built structure replacing the temporary marquee
Traffic and Noise Concerns
The planning authorities expressed significant concerns about the impact of the previous marquee on the local area. City of Wolverhampton Council planners noted that Dudley Road already experiences considerable congestion, with parking at a premium in the vicinity.
The council stated: "The nearby car parking layby at the front of the premises is also very heavily subscribed serving the wide array of existing businesses, and no additional parking provisions have been proposed in relation to the amount of vehicle-related traffic."
Inspector's Assessment
The planning inspector who reviewed the appeal provided detailed reasoning for upholding the rejection, noting: "The surrounding road network has a relatively high volume of on-street parking and likely would remain at a high level for the duration of the proposed opening hours [...] and is likely to result in unsafe parking."
Regarding noise containment, the inspector added: "It has not been adequately demonstrated, to my mind, that the design and lightweight materials used in the development are sufficient to adequately contain noise." The council had previously stated that the marquee caused "significant noise and disturbance" for neighbouring properties.
Business Background and Future Plans
Amritsar Sweets and Catering originally opened its doors in 2020, with the controversial marquee being added approximately two years later. The business specialises in Indian sweets and catering services, serving the local community in Wolverhampton.
The new planning application represents a substantial investment in permanent infrastructure rather than temporary structures. By proposing a properly constructed cafe and takeaway with dedicated access from Sedgley Road, the owners aim to address the concerns raised about the previous marquee while expanding their business offerings.
The development's success will depend on whether the new plans adequately resolve the issues identified by planning authorities regarding visual impact, traffic management, parking provision, and noise mitigation for local residents.
