The owner of a popular village cafe has won her bid to extend its opening hours despite a council’s warning that it will increase existing traffic issues.

MJ’s Cake Cafe, in Middleton St George, applied to provide craft–related activities such as cake decorating, painting and charity events, to create an extra revenue stream for the business and protect its future. 

The owner, Shalona Beaumont, also requested permission for outdoor picnic benches to be used by customers to provide more space.

Yet the application was in doubt in August when Darlington Borough Council planning officers recommended it be refused.

Committee members heard how there are traffic congestion issues throughout Middleton St George and the use of external seating area would “be likely to result in an increase in parking demand in an area where there are existing parking problems,” a council report added. 

The final decision on the application was delayed until Wednesday, when a majority of members voted in favour of the expansion. The meeting heard residents hail the cafe as a “jewel and community asset” given its success. 

Local councillor, Deborah Laing, said the business wasn’t responsible for parking issues in the village.

She added: “I have been there for 31 years and I don’t see an issue. When there have been issues with parking it had nothing to do with the cafe.”

For Ms Beaumont, she said common sense has finally prevailed.

“I’ve lost earnings because people weren’t willing to sit inside the cafe as it was too hot, but we still had support from people willing to do takeaway,” she said. 

“It’s been very hard and has put a dampener on my business and family life from not sleeping. For me, it was daft and an easy decision to make if you’re from the village. We’ve had lots of backing from everyone and it’s been great to see everyone who has been there for us. 

“It’s just a shame that when it comes to planning they should do their research and view the area. Some of the objections were absurd and I'm just glad that it’s been accepted.”