A new café and restaurant in York will try to be a positive part of its community amid fears over noise, according to the owner.
Eddie Copley-Farnell said he took concerns from neighbours of the future site of Clifton’s Curious Coffee Company seriously and it was natural for a new venue to create uncertainty.
The business owner added they wanted to create a nice environment for families similar to their existing café and restaurant in Haxby which has not caused any issues.
Mr Copley-Farnell spoke in response to two objections which stated they were concerned about potential evening disturbances due to alcohol sales and music.
It comes as City of York Council approved Mr Copley-Farnell’s application to licence the former Boots store, in Clifton.
Plans for the new venue include serving brunch, light lunches and cakes during the day and pizzas and Italian-style food in the evening.
Mr Copley-Farnell told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) in August they were aiming to open the new Clifton venue in November.
The Curious Coffee Company also runs cafés in Haxby and Easingwold.
Speaking at Monday’s hearing, the business’ owner said he understood that people living close to the site of the new café would not know what to expect.
Mr Copley-Farnell added they had a proven track record of not causing issues at their other venues and they would work constructively to resolve any concerns if they emerge.
The business owner said: “The application isn’t for a pub and we want to work with the community.
“We’re a coffee shop by day and we want to do pizza and Italian food in the evening and for people to have a beer or a glass of wine.
“We want to be family-friendly and have more of a relaxed vibe, we’re not planning on having live music or proposing to allow outdoor drinking because there’s nowhere for people to sit.
“We want to be a positive addition to the Clifton community.”
The two objectors to the plans stated that although they had no problem with the café and restaurant they were concerned about noise in the evening.
They added they were worried about customers coming and going on an evening, alcohol sales and later opening hours in an otherwise quiet residential area.
Mr Copley-Farnell lodged an application to licence the café in August following the approval of plans to convert the vacant Boots.
The pharmacy closed in February 2024 as part of the company’s plans to cut the amount of its high street stores.
Curious Coffee Company plans would see the former store’s ground floor converted to seat up to 40 people.
The application approved by the council earlier this year proposed opening hours of 7.30am to 5pm on Monday and Tuesday and until 10pm from Wednesday to Friday.
It would open from 8.30am to 11pm on Saturday and from 9am to 9pm on Sunday and bank holidays.
The licensing application proposed operating hours of 7am to 10pm from Monday to Wednesday and until 11pm from Thursday to Saturday.