Support for cafe seeking retrospective permission

Organisations have voiced their support for a riverside cafe near Richmond which has been told to apply for retrospective planning permission.

The Easby Loop Cafe, close to Easby Abbey, opened in June 2025 and has become a stopping point for walkers and visitors on the route between Richmond and the abbey.

Nic Perks, who operates the business, has been told by North Yorkshire Council that planning permission was required for the development.

Both Richmondshire Ramblers and Richmond Civic Society have written in support of the planning application, highlighting the cafe's popularity and its discreet location.

The application seeks permission for a transportable metal trailer measuring 12ft (3.9m) in length, which serves hot and cold food and drinks.

The seating area includes seven wooden, picnic-style tables, four smaller tables and additional chairs, with fencing separating the cafe from the adjoining garden and riverside.

In a letter to planning officers, Mike Richardson, footpath officer for Richmondshire Ramblers, said: "The cafe is very popular with users of the adjacent public footpath, and this application is supported."

Richmond Civic Society has also backed the proposal, despite expressing disappointment that permission had not been sought before the cafe opened.

The society said: "It is extremely popular with locals, and we do not consider that there is any negative impact on the environment of Easby Abbey, as it is very discreetly placed."

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, supporting documents said considerable care had been taken to ensure the cafe blended into the Easby Conservation Area.

The documents also stated that the adjoining public footpath and bridleway were kept clear, with customers discouraged from queuing in the lane.

Perks said the cafe regularly collected litter from the surrounding area, including along the Easby Loop walking route.

He also maintained that most customers arrived on foot, limiting any additional demand for parking near Easby Church.

The plans indicated that the cafe could employ six part-time staff, equivalent to two full-time positions.

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