A COFFEE shop and cafe in Eccleston is set to get bigger, if councillors give plans the go-ahead this Tuesday (April 25).

Cafe Bocboc, in Kiln Lane, could get a side extension, together with more car parking spaces, new fencing and landscaping.

The extension, which has been heavily opposed by some residents, would create 14sqm extra floorspace.

A council report says: "It's reasonable to assume that this area would be used as an outdoor seating area but this is not specified in the application."

After initial concerns were raised about 1.2m high fencing planned for next to Bleak Hill Road and Kiln Lane impairing road visibility, a height limit of 0.6m has now been set.

Letters of objection received from people living in the neighbourhood include increased traffic, highway safety and difficulty parking; youths hanging around and anti-social behaviour; overlooking of neighbouring properties; noise, cooking smells and invasion of privacy.

Meanwhile, letters of support describe the proposed changes as minor, and highlight the need for independent businesses in the area, providing jobs and support to local organisations, and visual improvements to the area.

There have been no objections from highway officers or environmental health.

Council officers recommend planning committee approve the application subject to a number of conditions.

The report concludes: "The extension proposed would follow the style of the existing building, the additional off-street parking required would be provided with a small extension to the existing car park and the replacing of concrete bollards with low railing and landscaping would aesthetically improve the character of the local area."

In the past the unit has been an off licence and an ice cream parlour.