Shropshire Star

Bake Off contestant's Shropshire patisserie plan approved

A Bake Off semi-finalist is set to open a new patisserie at a former Oswestry pub after the plans were approved by Shropshire Council.

Published
Last updated
The Black Gate

Pastry chef Adam Cleal and his family launched Niche Patisserie last year, revealing plans to re-purpose the Black Gate pub in Salop Road, Oswestry, into a bakery, shop and cafe.

Planning permission and listed building consent have now been granted for the conversion of the 16th century building, which was more recently known as the Bull Ring.

A spokesman for Shropshire Council’s planning department said the application had been processed through the fast-track procedure as no major work was being proposed.

They added: “Minimal structural alterations are proposed – other than installation of air con units – so conservation are happy.

“It brings back a viable use to a vacant property in the town centre.

“In addition this particular premises is an attractive building that complements the town centre so again a use such as bakery/patisserie would be welcome in this location.

“It has also received unanimous support from neighbours and the town council and meets with council local plan policies.”

A statement prepared in support of the application by the company’s agent, Design and Planning Associates Ltd, said the proposed alterations would not impact the historic fabric of the building.

It said: “The design of the internal layout has been carefully considered to avoid making unnecessary alterations internally or externally.

“There are no extensions and major structural alterations proposed to the Black Gate in its conversion to a bakery, shop and cafe and plans shown further on in this document show the proposed layout to form the buildings new use.

Opening hours

“Historically the Black Gate’s former use were tea rooms and therefore the proposed new part use as tea rooms would not be out of place in this building.”

The opening hours of the patisserie will be 8.30am to 5.30pm, with occasional later opening for special events.

An office/meeting room will be provided on the first floor, along with living accommodation for the baker.

The statement concluded: “The existing public house converts very well to form a bakery, shop and tea room, due to its current layout.

“The external appearance will not change and the renovations proposed will ensure the up keep of the building for years to come.

“There will be fewer vehicular movements during the day for the new proposed use.

“As there are many other public houses in Oswestry, it is not considered that the adaptation would be removing an asset from the community.

“The location of the building has established communication and transport links, with excellent bus services on the door step.

“The location of the building for the proposed use is excellent, due to all of the town centre businesses and facilities including work places, and dwellings all within a short walking distance from the premises.

“The new tenants are proposing to improve the appearance of the premises to attract customers and are keen to provide premises with good kerb appeal. This alone will help rejuvenate a tired building in need of care and attention.”

Adam Cleal starred in Bake Off: The Professionals in 2019 alongside co-worker Sam Widnall, representing the Palé Hall Hotel in Bala.