AN APPLICATION for approval to install a cover over a Cockermouth coffee house has been submitted to the council.

Allerdale Borough Council has received and application for planning permission from The Moon and Sixpence coffee house in Cockermouth.

Owners of the Main Street shop hope to install an awning on the store front providing a cover for customers using the outdoor seating.

Outdoor seating, which is currently protected from the elements with a gazebo, has been an asset to the business and its customers during the Coronavirus pandemic.

In the design, access and heritage statement, owner of the Moon and Sixpence, Stephen Kidd said: “Over the last 18 months, the outdoor seating has been vital for customers comfort when visiting the shop and having been granted a pavement license from Allerdale for the year, for chairs/tables and a gazebo, an awning would be a much more aesthetically pleasant way of providing a comfortable place for customers to sit during these current times.

“Going forwards many customers would prefer to stay outside and the aim is to provide them with cover in inclement weather in the most tasteful way.”

The owner said that the scheme would be undertaken in a manner that does not alter or damage the existing architectural features of the grade two listed building or impact access to the building.

When not in use the cover will retract into a blind cassette box.

Temporary pavement licenses, allowing restaurants and bars to set up outdoor dining spaces was extended by the Government in March for a further 12 months.

The call was made to give hospitality businesses support as they welcome customers back to the high-street in a safe way.

The Moon and Sixpence has consulted neighbouring businesses about the plan and points out that a gazebo has already been in place outside the Main Street coffee shop throughout the year.

After the scheme has been completed, there will still be over 2.5 metres of footpath left for pedestrians.

Do you think this development would add something to Cockermouth’s Main Street? The public can comment on all planning applications submitted to district councils. To have your say on this application visit: allerdalebc.force.com/pr/s/planning-application and search: LBC/2021/0026