A café owner has told of her heartbreak after her business was forced to close following a ‘constant battle’ with nearby residents.

The Caddy Shack Café at Weymouth and Portland Rugby Club closed on Sunday, December 11, after it was refused planning consent to become a permanent fixture.

Owner Emma Ayles relocated the business from Wessex Golf Centre in Weymouth to the rugby club in Monmouth Avenue in April 2022.

The rugby club, tenants on the land, helped Mrs Ayles set up on the site temporarily, as she sought planning permission to make the café permanent.

Permanent status for the hand-built café, which is made from a shipping container, was first applied for in June 2022. 

But the application was reviewed and refused in February 2023 due to objections made by nearby residents, starting from October 2022. 

Objectors to the application claimed there was anti-social behaviour close to the site, with complaints made about the 'smell of bacon' and 'of hearing teaspoons and teacups'.

After unsuccessfully appealing the planning decision, Mrs Ayles received the heart-breaking news that the Caddy Shack Cafe would have to close. 

She said: “It’s been a constant battle, and so stressful wondering if the business will stay open every week, and then on Saturday I was told to close the next day."

Objectors were also concerned about the impact of parking in the area, the business being open seven days a week and it being too close to neighbours.

Mrs Ayles went on to say she had ‘no notice’ of the decision and was upset at the timing. “It’s just before Christmas and I’ve had to let eight staff members go,” she said.  

“I just feel bad for the community as groups met there every day. We have a chap that comes and sits for three hours reading a book, as well as students from the Wyvern School,” she added.

The appeal against the planning decision to refuse permanent status for the cafe was submitted by the rugby club.

It said the Caddy Shack offered a means of deterrent in terms of security for the rugby club after nuisance and damage were reported in the area previously.

Anthony Goss, Chairman of Weymouth and Portland RFC said: “We’re disappointed with the judgement, and the impact it will bring to the local area, not just from players and their families, but to the community. It’s very sad for a small business making its way in a tough climate and sad for the staff."

“The support from people has been unbelievable. A huge thanks to all the customers for making the place what it is,” Mrs Ayles said.

She has now taken another job to earn money to cover the costs of living and said she is unsure whether to pursue setting up the Caddy Shack elsewhere in the future.