GAIL's looking to open bakery and café in Knutsford

Plans have been submitted to Cheshire East Council to convert the former La Boutique d'Or premises at 43-45 King Street.

The building, which was vacated earlier this year, was built circa the early 17th century and was grade II listed in 1999.

Should the plans be approved, alterations would be made internally and externally to facilitate GAIL's occupying the building.

In a design and access statement, prepared by Planning Potential as part of the application, it says: "The proposals seek for the internal refurbishment of the ground floor, the installation of AC units, and for shopfront alterations and installation of signage, to enable the site’s use as a GAIL’s bakery/café.

"The proposals seek to work with the character of the building, with an overall minor degree of alteration due to the site’s longstanding association with commercial uses.

“It should be noted GAIL’s are a long term occupier of their buildings and have a strong track record of maintaining listed buildings during their tenancy."

The premises in King Street (Image: Google)

The design and access statement adds there are a number of public benefits to the scheme which would outweigh any potential harm to the building as a result.

These include 'securing the long term conservation of the building through active use and an occupant who has a strong track record of maintaining heritage assets; securing a long term tenant to a vacant premises in the town centre; and securing new employment opportunities for local people'.

In the 'about us' section of the GAIL's website, it says: "Everyone is welcome in our bakeries.

"We believe in the power of community, in helping those around us and living as sustainably as possible.

"We insist on the finest ingredients, supporting small businesses wherever we can, and though we’re always innovating, our baking is based on time-honoured techniques and our decades-old starters.

"Nothing gives us as much pleasure as a freshly baked, lovingly crafted loaf.

The former La Boutique d'Or shop in Knutsford (Image: Google)

"We bake by hand with natural ingredients, and whilst we are ordinary people, we want to make extraordinary things.

"We want to play our part to bring humanity back into the food world, and back to local communities.

"We can’t imagine doing anything more gratifying than baking our, and your, bread."

Cheshire East Council is targeting January 10, 2023, as a date for a decision on the proposals.

For more details or to comment on the plans, search reference 22/4473M on the council's online planning portal.