The application had been somewhat controversial, with a number of business owners and residents expressing concerns. One, Barrie Irvine, said that he thought the café would have a negative impact on local businesses and would detract from the character of the area. He said:
"Abbots Langley has a village high street full of character. It’s not faceless like other high streets where all the shops look the same, they are all different."
There are already two cafés on the main shopping street, but Simon Ash, who is managing the project to transform the hall, said that plans hinged on the coffee lounge. The plan is to offer a joint arts centre and social meeting area, with a view to making use of a building resource he described as “financially endangered”.
Ash explained how the group was not looking to compete with other cafés in the area, but that it wished to provide a relaxed, social space where people interested in the arts could talk and share ideas. He said:
"It is the recognition that the engagement in social interaction, the free exchange of ideas, informal debate and the germination of an interest in the arts occurs most freely over a cuppa."
The councillors agreed and passed the application.Get a Free Quote for Menus Get a Free Quote for Posters Get a Free Quote for Plans