PLANS to revitalise a former transport café space to provide food and drink off the A41 have been submitted to Shropshire Council.

The proposal is for the site near Sandford, close to Whitchurch, and the Anvil Café which is currently closed to the road by two large lorry containers.

A design and access statement submitted for the application says that with existing access in place because of still-established commercial uses at the site, it would be an opportunity to restore the café use for the area.

It said: “The proposal would bring a vacant site back into active use.

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“There would be facilities created which would be of benefit to the transport sector community.

“The proposed new building would improve the appearance of the site and former transport cafe building.

“However, the yard and workshop building do not front the street and hence this would not have a significant effect on the streetscene of the area.

“The proposal may provide a facility in the local area, and although there are several others in the area, there is high demand such that the proposal would be a sustainable form of development.

“These factors in combination, outweigh the harm to pedestrian and vehicle safety and the character and openness of the countryside.”

It added: “The site was purchased by haulage company (Archers Transport) in early 2023 with positive indication from the planning authority that housing on the site would not be acceptable and a commercial use acceptable in principle, noting the former use as a transport café and service centre.

“The site is within an area with a variety of mixed commercial uses surrounding including similar commercial uses.

“The site has previously been used as a transport cafe and associated truck park.

“The proposal is to remove the existing buildings and to replace a single building on similar footprint with a café at the front, and kitchen, toilets, showers and facilities at the rear.

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“Trailer and car parking and servicing areas to both sides and required turning areas for 50 trailers approx. and cars and additional landscaping/screening.”

One comment in support of the proposal has called for pedestrian access for anyone on foot or cycling to made for the nearby Manor House Lane, and also to employ local people without need for a car.

Consultation on the proposal ends of Thursday, November 9 – for more, search 23/04441/FUL at Shropshire Council’s planning portal.