Greg backs Jack Sprats appeal

10.30.00am BST (GMT +0100) Fri 16th Oct 2009

Lib Dem parliamentary spokesman for Newcastle East and councillor for North Heaton Greg Stone is supporting local vegetarian / vegan cafe Jack Sprats in its appeal to the Planning Inspectorate to be allowed to stay open later than the current limit of 7.30pm.

Greg said "I have previously opposed appeals for hot food takeaways which have been turned down by the city council, but I feel that this appeal is worthwhile and I am happy to support it, as I have previously supported the application to convert the premises from retail use to cafe use.

"Jack Sprats is a popular and well managed facility and is one of the few establishments catering for vegetarians, vegans, and people with special dietary requirements in the constituency. I am not aware of any concerns over its operations from neighbours and in the circumstances I would be minded to support an extension to allow the business to open later, within reason. I do not see any reason why it should not stay open until 9pm on a trial basis, and have written to the Planning Inspector to make this point."