A heritage tearoom operating within a Grade II-listed building in Astley has applied to extend its opening hours until 10pm for up to 12 nights a year, prompting 19 objections from neighbours.
Merly’s Kitchen occupies part of the ground floor of Damhouse, a Grade II-listed building on Astley Hall Drive. The property is run by Morts Astley Heritage Trust, a charity that currently holds a licence allowing the tearoom to operate from 8am to 8pm.
Wigan council’s planning committee is due to consider the application to vary those hours next week.
Building's History and Current Use
Damhouse was originally a manor house and later served as a hospital. In 1994, when the hospital board sold the premises to housing developers, local residents formed the trust to safeguard the building and its heritage.
The building now houses 14 businesses, including a nursery. It retains significant features dating back to the 1600s. The trust operates two function rooms for small-scale events and hosts regular community fundraising activities, as well as offering guided tours and maintaining the surrounding grounds and woodland.
Objections and Concerns
The extended hours application has drawn 19 objections. The council has summarised concerns including potential noise and disturbance, late-night activity, anti-social behaviour, crime and disorder, increased vehicle movements, deliveries and servicing, litter, smoking areas, and general residential amenity.
Concerns have also been raised about parking and the impact on the character and appearance of the Astley Village conservation area, as well as the significance of Damhouse as a heritage asset.
Trust's Response and Planning Assessment
In a supporting letter, Morts Astley Heritage Trust said: “As a charitable organisation, the trust relies heavily on maintaining a high level of occupancy across its rental spaces to generate the income necessary to sustain the upkeep of the building and its grounds.
“It is therefore essential that the trust retains a degree of flexibility in accommodating tenants, while ensuring that all uses remain sympathetic to the historic character and setting of the site.
“This flexibility also enables the trust to remain competitive and continue supporting local businesses within the area.”
The tearoom has a maximum capacity of approximately 48 customers. A planning report noted that Wigan’s licensing team said no complaints directly attributable to Merly’s Kitchen have been received since the business began trading under its premises licence.
The planning officer report added: “The limited frequency of the additional hours would prevent evening opening from becoming the normal pattern of operation and would materially reduce the potential for sustained or repeated disturbance.”
Astley Hall Drive Residents Association, which represents neighbours, has also objected to the extended hours variation.
