OBESITY issues in Winsford have led to the Town Council objecting to the opening of a new cafe.

The plans are for an empty unit on High Street, and would see both the ground and first floor opened up to accommodate customers.

The application also outlines a bid to extend the opening hours of the new cafe to 10pm on both weekdays and weekends — which could be called ‘Elixir’.

However, officials have concerns over the ‘health impact’ of the business, and cite fast-food planning application refusals as a precedent.

The Council objection said: “Members are concerned about the health impact and well being of the residents of Winsford. Members would like to refer to the refusal by the Build to Thrive board of a KFC and a Starbucks coffee, because of the on-going obesity problem in the locality.”

Town councillors have also raised concerns over parking availability in the area.

KFC and Starbucks have been refused plans to open stores on the former Greedy Pig cafe site on the waterfront.

Debate is still ongoing as to the future of the New Road premises, with a campaign led by Cllr Damon Horrill to secure the plot as an Asset of Community Value ongoing.

The alternative is to allow affordable housing to be constructed on the grounds, which Winsford Town Council has also objected to, claiming the proposals contravene the neighbourhood plan.