Cafe decking at Exeter Guildhall which affects ‘the character of the conservation area and setting of a listed building’ to be removed

Decking at the Sands cafe in the Guildhall Shopping Centre, Exeter, will have to be removed, according to Exeter City Council.

According to an Exeter City Council spokesperson, Shaun Kelly who runs the cafe has a week to comply,

Mr Kelly didn’t think he needed planning permission for the temporary structure, but  the council received a complaint and the council spokesperson said the spokesperson said: “The council considers that the structure does affect the character of the conservation area and setting of a listed building.”

Mr Kelly told thisisexeter: “I’m absolutely gutted. I’ve invested around £25,000 and employ 15 staff in total and without the seating outside the business won’t survive. It allows people in wheelchairs to use the cafe, parents with prams and buggies and it also allows people to sit outside and have a cigarette.”

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