Concerns as Ryton cafe could be demolished.

The Fed & Watered cafe in Ryton, Gateshead, is at risk of being demolished after Gateshead Council doubled down on its decision to reject the cafe’s planning applications.

Built behind a children’s play centre without initial permission from the council, the cafe has since submitted multiple retrospective applications. However, Gateshead Council has continuously rejected these, citing concerns over access to the adjacent soft play business and a footpath to the local primary school near the site.

Despite significant support from the local community, including a petition with over 2,500 signatures in August 2023, the council remains resolute in its decision. In May 2023, Gateshead Council issued an enforcement notice against the cafe, warning of potential demolition if the issue wasn’t resolved.

Joanne Stanton, the owner of the popular eatery, revealed she was “disappointed” by the decision but would keep the business open while she asked for negotiations.

“Why does the council want a valuable resource closed?”

“After Covid businesses are closing left, right and centre. Why would they not support it to stay open?” she told the media.

The cafe’s current opening hours of 09:00 to 14:30, were in place to avoid any sort of collision, she added.

Councillor Anneliese Hutchinson, the strategic director for economy, innovation, and growth, stated that the council has tried extensively to resolve the issue with the cafe owners but has reached a point where no new information is available to consider.

According to Hutchinson, the council will use its planning enforcement powers to ensure public safety and has been supported in its position by an independent planning inspector appointed by the government.

Concerns as Ryton cafe could be demolished.