THURROCK planning councillors have backed an extension to a Chadwell St Mary café – overruling a recommendation for refusal from council officers.

Nub News reported on the application by Café Amareta earlier this month, which prompted a significant groundswell of public support for the applicant Arben Kuqi.

Officers continued to oppose the plan for the glass and metal extension with a retractable roof and planning officer Nina Hicks outlined why they were against it – and compared it with a decision earlier when the council rejected a similar extension to a restaurant in Corringham – a decision which was later endorsed by the planning inspectorate,

Presenting her report Ms Hicks told members: "Officers are concerned that the proposal would be overly prominent in Riverview, there are no other additions of front extensions or similar projects along the whole of this side of Riverview.

"There are concerns that the utilitarian glass and aluminium addition would be out of character with the street scene in conjunction with its forward projection close to the back edge of the footpath.

"Of direct relevance is a recent appeal decision in May, 2025, along a neighbourhood shopping parade at Lampits Hill, Corringham.

The existing frontage of the restaurant on Lampits Hill and the planned extension, which was rejected.

"This particular scheme sought a shallower frontage extension that was not of a dissimilar design and style.

"The planning inspector determined this was out of character as it would impact the quality and function of the wider shopping parade."

Former borough councillor Georgette Polley spoke on behalf of the applicant, saying: "As a valued part of the local community, Café Amareta has consistently demonstrated its commitment to providing a welcoming, inclusive space for residents and visitors alike. The proposed extension would not only increase their seating capacity, but also enhance the visual appeal of the street scene and contribute positively to the local economy.

"The café has become a social hub - a place where people gather for conversation, connection, and comfort. Whether it's hosting community events, supporting local suppliers, or simply offering a friendly face and a great cup of coffee, and a hot meal.

"Their presence enriches the area and helps overcome some of social isolation experienced by some of the older residents locally.

"The glass-fronted design is both tasteful and sympathetic to the surrounding architecture. It will allow more natural light into the space, improve accessibility, and create a more inviting atmosphere for patrons. Importantly, this expansion will help the business grow sustainably, creating additional employment opportunities and ensuring its long-term viability.

"I believe this proposal aligns with Thurrock's broader goals of supporting small businesses, enhancing public spaces, and fostering vibrant, resilient communities.

"I would hope that the local authority can approve this application and note there are no objections from highways. This application will allow this local business to continue thriving as a cornerstone of local life."

Café Amareta

Committee chairman Cllr Mike Fletcher was keen to make less of the comparative between Lampits Hill and Riverview, saying: "You mentioned the Lampits Hill application, a similar kind of extension, but looking at the pictures you showed us of Lampits Hill it's obvious to me that the Lampits Hill terrace was quite a bit different, it was sticking on something that poked out of the front of one building. It would definitely look out of place.

"When you showed us the pictures of Riverview, if there's one thing they are not, it's homogeneous. Every single shop there is slightly different, slightly different height, painted a different colour. The one common characteristic they have got is that they don't have anything in common.

"So I do raise the question based on that, how much of a difference can this extension make when pretty much every shop looks unlike the one next to it?"

Ms Hicks said she disagreed, but Cllr Fletcher walked her through a reshowing of the two comparative street scenes and said there were fundamental differences in the overall appearance.

"I acknowledge the point," said Ms Hicks.

Cllr Steve Liddiard then spoke, saying: "This was an old haunt of mine many years ago. There were parking problems. The Amareta looks considerably better than what it did in those days. If it was fully retractable, sides as well, I would be keen to accept it, but being next to that church building, with that frontage jutting out on a permanent basis it would look very off.

"But there are places in Grays that are similar so I'll listen to what everyone else has got to say."

Cllr Tom Kelly said: "For me, this would support a local business. Cllr Liddiard makes good point, there are many like this in Grays.

"No one is complaining and the local councillors in the area haven't raised any issues. I think its an improvement."

Cllr Cathy Sisterson said: "My concern is the impact on the pavement, where it would very much narrow the pavement. I think it would be out of keeping."

Cllr Russell Cherry said: "The cafe in itself is a good amenity for the people of Chadwell St Mary and it would be good to have the extension front I believe, because it will make it far more functional. There have been no objections, and there has been support from lots of local people who use it."

Cllr Cherry also pointed out to councillors who had expressed concern about the 'narrowing of the footpath' that the land in question was within the curtilage of the owners and was already occupied by planters, which meant people couldn't walk through it. "In respect of people using it as a footway. I don't see how it would impact at all," he concluded.

Cllr Roy Jones said: "I am torn, I can understand where planning officers are coming from as it juts out right to the path, but to my mind it's a successful business doing well. They are not open obscene hours. It's not going to affect residents. I'm minded to go for it. It's a successful business and no one objected."

Cllr John Cecil added: "My inclination is to look towards a business that is trying to improve itself for its customers and there are no objections."

The terrace of shops on Riverview.

Cllr Liddiard, then spoke again, expressing some sympathy for the owners because he said the business 'didn't make awful lot of money, there isn't a lot of passing trade so I do feel sorry for them', then reiterated his opposition to the extension, saying: "With a full frontal extension I think it will totally overshadow the next door.

"Next door probably wouldn't complain because they are Chinese. Sadly, I'm going to vote with the officer's recommendation."

Chairman Cllr Fletcher immediately jumped on Cllr Liddiard's comment and said: "It's perfectly possible for a Chinese person to get upset at something, so let's try and keep the assumptions to a minimum please.

Just Cllrs Sisterson and Liddiard supported the recommendation to refuse and  a counter proposal from Cllr Kelly, based on the lack of complaints, the lack of adverse impact and the economic benefits it brought, recommended approval and that was passed by a majority.