Prestwich tanning salon could make way for cafe and art gallery

Mr Richard Kendrick asked Bury Council for permission to change the use of a building in Warwick Street currently being used by the Tone Tan Tastic business, which opened in late 2009.

Four people formally objected to the proposal and 111 people signed a petition opposing it.

According to a council report, one objector said: "The owner of Tone Tan Tastic (Geraldine Ryan) has spent a number of years building up her clientele and we feel that there is no room for another eating establishment.

"The owner of Tone Tan Tasting will have no alternative but to close the business."

Bury Council planning officer Helen Longworth said in the report that the issue of business competition was not applicable to the planning decision process.

Other objectors expressed concern that the cafe and gallery would cause parking problems.

Ms Longworth said that the tanning salon does not have off-street parking spaces and the council's highways officers have no problem with the proposal.

At a town hall meeting last week, Bury planning committee granted permission for the cafe and gallery to open.

Mr Kendrick said: "The first floor of the property is currently rented.

"We are proposing that the entire building encounter a change of use to become a licensed coffee bar business.

"We envisage that the building will be used as a base for local residents and visitors to enjoy artisan products, coffee and food local to our area and UK produced.

"Simple homemade food and drinks such as specialist coffee and tea, wine and craft beers will be served.

"In addition, as the business develops, we propose a series of special events to engage with and enrich the local community.

"There will be programmed art exhibitions of local, national and international artists.

"We also propose having programmed classes and fun events for children and families utilising the first floor of the property for this."

Tone Tan Tastic was unavailable for comment.