St Mary's Lane Upminster could get new coffee shop

The plan was submitted by agent Josh Chambers on behalf of applicant Sean Sears and proposes a new use for the "vacant" property at 178 St Mary's Lane.

Google Maps last shows the site in use as Vicarage Glass Co.

When our reporter walked past the shop in February, Vicarage Glass Co. sat empty with a 'shop to let' sign in the window and was, at the time, listed as available to rent for £20,000 per year on LoopNet.

According to a planning document, the new coffee shop would be called Save Room and would be run by an owner who has a "successful 20 year career in animation".

It is not clear whether the owner is applicant Sean Sears.

The document adds: "Save Room will offer a friendly and welcoming atmosphere where customers can relax and enjoy light indoor recreation by playing a diverse selection of board games, video games, tabletop games as well as being able to draw, create art and learn animation from the owner."

The coffee shop will operate ancillary to the recreation venue.

It will open from 9am to 5/6pm approximately and will operate from Tuesday to Sunday each week.

The planning document claims the shop could see between 20 and 200 customers per day.

On Wednesday (May 13), Havering Council deemed the development to not need planning permission.

Under a segment titled 'context of the proposed usage' on the planning document, it reads: “My business, Save Room, will be a family-friendly indoor recreation café where customers can play video games, create art, play board games, enjoy table football, draw, learn animation and take part in other table-top games.

"There will also be coffee and snacks available.

"Customers will be able to visit simply for a coffee and a snack, or they may choose to pay to use the recreational facilities.

"There will be no cooked food on the premises, only high-quality coffee and snacks.”