'Number of concerns' had been raised about Burntwood business before its closure - including food hygiene
A "number of public concerns" had been raised about a Burntwood business prior to its closure including its food hygiene, Lichfield District Council has said.
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Strawberry Fields Farm and Coffee Shop announced on January 15 it was shutting its doors "with a heavy heart".
Upon breaking the news to customers on Facebook, the Coulter Lane business said the decision as a result of the local authority "denying its planning appeal to continue trading".
It added: "We have encountered many business and personal challenges throughout the past 12 months.
"I am deeply grateful to everyone who has supported me and the team. You know who you are and I will be entirely in debt, truly thank you."
It came after Lichfield District Council had refused an application by the business in 2023 for the retention of outdoor dining use and associated bell tents and kitchen.
Among the reasons listed for its refusal, the local authority said the development would "comprise inappropriate development within the Green Belt".
It added that "insufficient information" had been provided by the business to show the noise and disturbance caused by the development would have an "acceptable impact" on residents and that the plan failed to demonstrate "sufficient car parking provision".
Following the announcement of the business' closure, the local authority said concerns had been raised about Strawberry Fields including its food hygiene, for which it was handed a score of zero out of five upon an inspection in October last year.
Food hygiene inspectors concluded that 'major improvements' were necessary in the cleanliness and condition of the facilities and building as well as management of food safety.
A Lichfield District Council spokesman said: "Following the recent announcement of Burntwood business, Strawberry Fields Farm’s, decision to close, we wanted to provide further information on planning processes set by national government.
“All local councils work under the Government’s planning policies through the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).
"On this occasion, a number of public concerns had been raised including food hygiene, insufficient parking provision, highway and pedestrian safety, and the unauthorised erection of structures and temporary buildings that, upon assessment, failed to comply with the provisions of the NPPF and locally adopted policies.
“We want to reassure our communities that we are working within the statutory requirements of national legislation.
"We want to ensure local businesses across the district are supported, remain open, and work with our teams to adhere to all safety and legal requirements necessary for the benefit of our residents and visitors to the district."
