THE owners of a café threatened with demolition because of a planning infringement dating back to the previous owner is now in discussion with the local authority.

Charlie Baker and partner Rebecca Pickup, who own the Riverside Inn, Ross-on-Wye and the separate Riverside Inn Café, a modern timber-clad kiosk, say this would see the loss of 16 jobs and risk the cafe’s future if they had to demolish the building.

The couple bought the derelict Inn in summer 2024, refurbishing it and opened the cafe last October.

But a condition with the 2020 planning permission for the kiosk required an assessment to the risk of contamination of the café site from a nearby former council dump, now the site of a skate park, and a programme of action if this were detected.

The couple attempted to discharge this condition, but this was rejected by Herefordshire planners.

Since the café was threatened with demolition, the community has rallied around the couple and sent letters of support to Herefordshire Council.

County Councillor Elissa Swinglehurst, Herefordshire’s cabinet member for culture and the Environment, said: “This authority is committed to supporting businesses and developers who are working hard to grow, invest and contribute positively to our local economy and communities.

“We recognise the challenges that can come with developing property and expanding services, and we want to work constructively with all parties to help make good ideas a reality.

“In the case of the Riverside Inn Café, planning permission was granted in 2020 for a single-storey building, subject to several important conditions.

“And because the site is close to a former landfill, a planning condition requires confirmation that groundworks have not caused land contamination or affected underlying conditions.

“These conditions are not arbitrary - they are routine safeguards and are in place to protect public health and ensure the safety of employees, customers and visitors.

“While planning rules can sometimes feel burdensome, they play a vital role in preserving the character of our towns and countryside, and in safeguarding the wellbeing of everyone who lives, works and visits Herefordshire.”

The councillor said that Herefordshire always encourages positive development and wants to facilitate it wherever possible, and added: “We also have a duty to ensure that planning conditions are met.

“We are actively engaging the owners of the Riverside Inn Café to resolve the outstanding issues and our aim is always to find a mutually satisfactory resolution.

“However, in cases where there is a significant breach - particularly one that may affect human health - enforcement may be necessary as a last resort.

“We hope this matter can be resolved constructively and in a way that supports both the business and the wider interests of the community.”

Ross ward and town councillor Ed O’Driscoll said the case “has caused unnecessary distress for everyone, and it could have been handled in a more grown-up and sensible way.

“The Riverside team are a real asset to the town and they have my full support.”

A council spokesperson confirmed that no enforcement notice has yet been served on the café.