Decision over Darlington's MJ's cafe expansion delayed by council

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

Held on Thursdays to Saturdays until 9pm, cafe owner Shalona Beaumont said they would welcome no more than 10 participants and would involve 24 late openings per year. 

However, the cafe, which opened in 2022, has fallen foul of planning rules after four picnic benches were placed without planning permission. Cafe owner Shalona Beaumont has been forced to cover the benches in yellow tape to stop people sitting on them until permission is granted. 

Ms Beaumont told a Darlington Borough Council planning meeting that she fears for the future of her business if she isn't allowed to offer the extra activities and benches.

She said the outdoor seating had been installed as the high temperatures inside the cafe had turned it into a “hot box” and was uncomfortable for diners. 

The outside seating currently has yellow tape draped over it to prevent customers from sitting down (Image: The Northern Echo)

She added: “Social media can paint a very different view of success to what’s going on behind the door. We’re struggling. 34 covers a day doesn’t suffice and I am losing my customers because they won’t sit inside.” 

Her bid failed to convince Darlington Borough Council planning officers however, who signalled for the application to be refused.

Several objections raised by residents pointed to ongoing issues of traffic congestion at the nearby junction of Heathfield Park and Station Terrace, which they say will only get worse when a beauty shop opens next door as well as the cafe’s expansion. 

Councillor Gerald Lee told the meeting that the cafe has become a “victim of its own success”, which has led to more cars parking near the building.

A council report added: “While use of the external seating area would be somewhat seasonal, it would nevertheless be likely to result in an increase in parking demand in an area where there are existing parking problems.”

But other residents support the cafe’s expansion, saying it is a successful business with a positive reputation in the village and the changes will be a huge benefit for the whole community. 

Read next: 

• Thousands buy train fares at Durham and Darlington despite ticket office closure bid
• Boy, 10, completes Darlington fun run raising money for Down's Syndrome group​
• Work on notorious County Durham crossroads to begin in October, council confirms​

For more content from The Northern Echo, purchase a Premium Plus Digital Subscription for just £6 for 6 months until August 14.

Cafe owner, Shalona Beaumont has transformed the former derelict site in Middleton St George (Image: Sarah Caldecott)

Alan Blacklee, who lives a few doors down from the cafe, said: “Some of the objections I have heard do not bear witness to what I have seen. The impact the cafe has brought to the village is phenomenal. 

“Why should Shalona be punished for people parking illegally? The problems caused are not her fault or her customers.”

Ms Beaumont was also backed by David Darling, of the local community centre, who praised the “great job” the cafe has done and offered the centre’s 45-space car park up to visitors. 

Councillors agreed to defer a decision until the next meeting, to allow for members to review planning officers’ updated recommendations around the proposal.