A CAFE owner was given support from a planning committee as he endeavours to boost business.

Huddersfield councillors on the Planning Sub-Committee rejected planning officers’ advice and allowed Tim Renshaw permission to change his cafe shop front.

Mr Renshaw, who runs the Corner House Cafe at 4, Station Road, Holmfirth, wants to replace the two shop windows with folding windows and a stained wood effect frontage.

Kirklees officers had recommended councillors reject the application, saying it would be harmful to the Holmfirth conservation area.

Mr Renshaw said: “There are many buildings in the town centre and conservation area with Upvc or aluminium frames, I want to do something more traditional.

“I’ve run the cafe since 1998 and want the business to grow. There’s fewer tourists coming in after Last of the Summer Wine stopped.”

Clr Ken Sims backed him saying: “The decision to refuse this is nonsense. Across the road is the Post Office with lots of colours and materials etc. Other buildings in the town centre are done up with plastic.

“This guy is spending a lot of his money to get a hardwood shop front and these windows. It will look differently and it will modernise it, but lets not nit-pick.”

Clr Molly Walton responded, saying: “Everyone had different views about design. I remember a lot of people had different views about how the Castle Hill pub looked. Let’s not say design should mean nothing – it should.”

Councillors voted in favour of the change.