Cafe closure was just 'a storm in a tea cup'
Tea rooms in a converted stable block at Delapre Abbey, Northampton will reopen on Monday despite an impending planning decision by councillors.
The popular tea rooms, in the grounds of Delapre Park, off London Road, were temporarily rumoured to have had ceased trading because of planning issues.
But Northampton Borough Council, the landlords said the two things were not directly linked and stressed Friends of Delapre Abbey (FoDA) could continue to serve customers whenever they liked.
A spokeswoman for Northampton Borough Council said an improved deal could even be in the offing depending on the outcome of a planning application which councillors will look at in the coming months.
She said: "In offering a new lease on preferential terms the borough council will need to be assured that FoDA is following best practice with regards to its management and probity as a charity.
"We hope agreement on this lease will give a fresh start for FoDA and its ongoing work with the borough council. It provides the Friends an opportunity for security and confidence in pursuing their objectives in protecting and enhancing the Abbey."
Currently FoDA isoccupying the premises on a "tenancy at will", meaning it does not have secure tenure of therooms at Delapre Abbey.
But at a meeting before Christmas with David Kennedy, the borough council chief executive, members of the FoDA committee were offered new terms, including a reduced rent, starting from April 1.
In order for this lease to take effect, retrospective planning permission for the tea rooms needs to be granted and the the tenancy at will agreement brought to an end.
It is believed the rooms were shut because of uncertainty over whether building insurance was invalid because of the lack of planning approval. However, insurers have given it the all-clear.
A spokesman for FoDA trustees said: "We are now looking forward to taking up a new lease."
By Nick Spoors
Chronicle Reporter
nick.spoors@northantsnews.co.uk
The tea rooms at Delapre Abbey in Northampton are reopening on Monday after they were temporarily closed over the Christmas periodLibrary picture
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