THERE are plans to change the use of a museum dedicated to the memory of Ray Grocott in Prees to add a café.

The retrospective planning permission was submitted to Shropshire Council on Wednesday, March 13 for the Grocott Heritage Centre in Brookdale, the headquarters of Grocott Developments.

The centre was opened last year to display all of the vehicles used by Grocontinental, the logistics company founded by Ray, with Grocott Developments submitting the plans for the new café.

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A planning and access statement said: “The existing warehouse building at Brookdale, previously used for B2 and B8 uses had become increasingly underutilised following the development of the offices at Brookdale.

“Thus, this building has been afforded an effective use to display the historic vehicles, photographs and documents.

“Situating the heritage centre at Brookdale is considered a logical use for this site because of its historic link to the business.

“Part of the subject building is a modest sized function room available for use by the community and as part of this application consent is sought to use as a café.

“A local business is willing to lease this to afford an attractive café, with internal and external seating.

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The café is considered to provide an additional facility to Prees and it is noted that there are no cafes or eateries within the village, with the nearest public houses/eateries being The Dog and Bull, Coton or a café located at Holly Farm Garden Centre.

“The café wouldn’t impact the success of Prees Cricket and Recreation Club, as it is primarily used for evening events and socialising in line with the sports played at the club.”

Consultation on the proposal expires in April with a decision expected in May.