Bid for new takeaway with alcohol licence in Burnham Market

Gurneys Grocer has applied for a new premises licence for a former cafe on the Market Place at Burnham Market.

It hopes to sell alcohol for consumption on or off the premises from 12-noon - 10pm, seven days a week.

The former cafe in Burnham Market which could become a takeaway with a drinks licence (Image: Chris Bishop)

West Norfolk Council's licensing panel is set to decide the application next week.

Meanwhile people living around the site, in Norfolk's poshest village, have been raising objections, fearing it will bring disorder and mess to its twee greens. Their names have all been redacted by officials.

"Gurneys propose this new venue as a fish takeaway - sounds like a posh term for fish and chips if you ask me," one writes in a snooty email to the council.

One objector fears Burnham Market's leafy greens will become 'a glorified picnic area' (Image: Chris Bishop)

"No seating is provided and this is therefore an open invitation for the Green to become a glorified picnic area with alcohol consumed, along with the litter it will generate and up to seven days a week.

"Also a great attraction for kids with radios blaring out. It'll ruin Burnham Market."

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Another adds: "There is no on-site seating and therefore this will lead to individuals or groups consuming alcohol and food purchased on the surrounding areas.

There are also fears litter will be left on the Greens in Burnham Market (Image: Chris Bishop)

"The alternative is that they sit on the Greens that are a feature of the village, there must be a concern that this will result in significant amounts of litter being left."

One villager adds: "My concern is that if this application is granted, it will prove to be a public nuisance, fuelled by alcohol.

"There is very likely to be crime and disorder and public safety will also be an issue.

"I have already on two occasions recently seen a police car stopped outside one of the hostelries."

The newly-refurbished village sign at Burnham Market (Image: Chris Bishop)

And another writes: "This application represents a step too far and risks creating problems for local residents late into the evening and that this application is simply not appropriate in a small village location."

They add they might be more amenable were the business to stop serving at 6pm.

Along with five objections, one letter supporting the application has also been sent in.

It says: "Our motivation for this is that the premises in question would remain empty if this proposal is rejected and in all probability become derelict similar to three other commercial premises on our main street namely Market Street.

"This does not project a good image of our village to visitors."

Staff at Gurney's fish shop next door to the former cafe declined to comment.

The 17th century village close to the coast is known as Chelsea-on-Sea because of the number of well-heeled Londoners who own second homes there. 

Burnham market is known as Chelsea-on-Sea because of the number of Londoners with second homes there (Image: Matthew Usher)

Locals recently voted through a neighbourhood plan with curbs on second properties after concerns rocketing house prices were forcing locals out.

Those who remain already have a traditional fish and chip shop, The Mermaid on Creake Road, where cod and large chips comes in at £10.55, while the menu also offers deep-fried Mars bars (£1.75).

Councillors meet at King's Lynn Town Hall to discuss the licence on Friday, August 2.

They must weigh up the application in the light of four licensing objectives - the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of public nuisance and the protection of children from harm.

Their decision may be announced after the meeting, or deferred to a later date.