A CAFE is to be allowed to keep the two pergolas it set up without getting planning permission – but not everyone is happy.

The Kaya Cafe, which opened in the Grade II listed Stable Block, on the edge of Horsham Park, four days before the pandemic hit, has erected the oak frames on two sides of the building.

Even though the structures are not actually attached to the building, their appearance prompted a lengthy discussion during a meeting of Horsham District Council’s planning committee north on Tuesday (April 13).

The council owns the park and the Stable Block and the application proved to be something of a Marmite issue – some absolutely hated the pergolas while others saw no harm in what had been done.

Kaya Cafe set up two pergolas without planning permission. Image: Horsham District Council

Kaya Cafe set up two pergolas without planning permission. Image: Horsham District Council

Richard Landeryou (Con, Rudgwick) described them as ‘a monstrous carbuncle on the face of an old friend’, adding that he felt they were ‘a bit of a land grab to get a few more tables out there’.

Christian Mitchell (Con, Holbrook West) was also less than complimentary, calling the pergolas ‘hideous’ and adding: “I could just weep.”

Others, though, were more supportive.

Claire Vickers (Con,  Southwater North) said: “Personally, I don’t have any problem with this. I can’t see what all the fuss is about.

“I congratulate the business on its success and hope it continues to be so.”

Responding to fears that the listed building was being harmed by the pergolas, Stuart Ritchie (Con, Itchingfield, Slinfold & Warnham) said the real damage had been done in the 1980s when a conservatory was added.

There were concerns from some that allowing the pergolas to stay would set a precedent, tempting other businesses to make their own changes without first gaining planning permission.

A call from Ruth Fletcher (Lib Dem, Denne) to refuse the application was lost by 11 votes to nine and the plans were finally approved by 11 votes to eight.

The  corrugated plastic which currently covers the larger pergola has to be removed within one month.