Emma Ayles, a 47-year-old cafe owner, has been forced to shut down her beloved Caddy Shack Cafe due to complaints from three neighbors about the smell of bacon and the noise of clinking teacups. This closure has left eight people unemployed and Emma devastated, especially since it happened just before Christmas.
The Caddy Shack Cafe, located in Dorset and set up with the Weymouth and Portland Rugby Club, opened in April 2022. Emma transformed a metal shipping container into a cozy cafe, which quickly became a local favorite. It served as a community hub for walkers, school children, and disabled individuals on mobility scooters.
However, in October 2022, complaints from nearby residents about “noise and odor” led to Dorset Council rejecting Emma’s planning permission in February. Despite her appeal, the decision remained unchanged. Emma shared her disbelief, saying, “Nobody understands why they have closed us down. Everyone is flabbergasted.”
The objections highlighted the “smell of bacon” and the sounds of “teaspoons and teacups.” Emma humorously asked, “What do they want us to do, use chocolate teacups so there is no sound?”
The Weymouth and Portland Rugby Club, disappointed by the judgment, appealed the planning decision, emphasizing the negative impact on the community. Social media outrage ensued, with many expressing disbelief at the complaints. This incident raises questions about balancing support for local businesses and residents’ concerns.