Decision next week could determine future of chocolate-making enterprise in Grimsby-area village

 

                                            

Chocolate venture could melt unless planners grant consent for Tracy's workshop 

THE future of a chocolate-making enterprise in a Grimsby-area village could be determined next week.

Tracy Clay is hoping North East Lincolnshire Council will grant her retrospective application for the workshop - a flat-roofed building at the rear of the Limes on Grimsby Road in Laceby.

Features of the premises include a commercial kitchen, spray room and a store plus the workshop.

A report to Wednesday's meeting of NELC's planning committee states: "Sales from the  production side of the business - known as The Chocolat Story - are online.

Orders  are sent out from the site via the applicant's own vehicle which takes them to the local post office for dispatch. 

"No pick-ups from the property are available. 

"The other side of the business is community/private workshop which hosts pre-booked events for adults or children or both. 

"This includes Special Needs Education and learning and mental health/ disability based events with local groups, schools and individuals.

"Presently only the owner is employed at the site although her partner occasionally assists."

However, committee members will be recommended by case officer Jonathan Cadd to refuse the application because of highway concerns about the hazardous access to the site from the nearby dual carriageway.

It is not known if there will be a site visit to allow councillors to sample the products.