Plans for new café and shop on the outskirts of Chichester

A planning application (O/20/02909/FUL) has been submitted to demolish the existing shop and part of the existing office at Shopwhyke Nurseries on Tangmere Road, Oving.

This would in turn see a new detached café with seating, built with toilet facilities and a detached flower shop, along with additional car parking spaces for visitors and staff.

In the planning documents, Shopwhyke Nurseries was described as a 'well-established garden centre' located within the village of Shopwhyke on the outskirts of Chichester.

The application read: "The current occupiers of the site took on the facility 18 months ago and have taken the business forward by home growing much of their own plants and flowers, efficient working practices and shear hard work to such an extent that they are now considering providing some new facilities and improving others to offer an enhanced experience for the many visitors and customers that they have attracted."

If the application is approved, the existing ‘kennels’ building would be moved to the south of the site to 'allow for easier access'.

The café will be limited to serve tea/coffee and cakes but 'no hot food'.

It would be open to people visiting the garden centre 'as well as potential passing trade'.

The planning documents added: "The café will have a small preparation area and servery as well as an indoor seating area for customers.

"Some outdoor seating will be available for use when weather permits.

"The flower shop will be selling flowers that are grown on site as well as some imported specimens where necessary.

"There will be a sales and display area and off to one side will be a small office and consultation area where customers may discuss sensitive matters, perhaps those relating to weddings or funerals, in private."

According to the developers, the plans represent a 'significant investment' into the business for the applicants, would contribute towards the local economy and 'provide additional employment opportunities for nearby residents'.

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