A takeaway coffee shop hailed as “bringing the community together” in Portchester by locals has launched a bid to extend its opening hours. Fareham Borough Council has received a planning application from ‘84 by the shore’ owners to include opening on Fridays on top of its currently allowed weekends. Adam and Emma Wells opened their converted garage that fronts Portsmouth harbour at 84, Merton Avenue, Portchester in July 2021 under a temporary application by appeal during the pandemic lockdown.
They received permission to open in perpetuity in June 2022 as long as there are no tables and chairs used at the site protecting the impact on the local resident’s amenity, said the planning and flood risk document. The couple want to be able to serve hot drinks, cakes and ice cream not only at weekends and bank holidays but Fridays between 9 and 5pm. The application, received on October 10 has 21 supportive public comments so far and the venue is used by joggers, walkers, dog walkers, cyclists, families and neighbours.
Comments said: “It brings the community together” and is “a perfect place to grab a coffee and enjoy the Portchester foreshore.” Another comment said: “110 per cent support this, I think not only is the coffee shop a great asset to the area, they as a couple are a great asset. They support the community, super friendly.
It gets people out and about. I for one will love to finish work and stroll there for a coffee and a chat.” And a third comment s.
