A popular café in Prestwich has been told its external canopy cannot be used beyond 7.30pm amid concerns over noise and disturbance.
Eagle Coffee Prestwich has been operating on Windsor Road since summer 2024 and offers hot drinks as well as cooked food and meze.
Planning permission was first approved for the business, which boasts a four-star food hygiene rating, in February 2024.
The eatery opened on the site of a former shop the following summer.
However, the permission was initially granted for a temporary 12-month period, giving consent for opening hours of 7.30am to 9pm, a canopy at the front, and the installation of an external flue pipe for extraction, for one year from opening.
A refreshed application was put forward in May 2025, requesting full consent rather than the 12-month permission, and for the retention of the existing extractor fan and its canopy.
Ongoing noise complaints from neighbouring properties regarding the original extractor fan led to planning refusals and amended plans, and a changed extractor has now been put forward.
In plans lodged in December, updated proposals were put forward to the authority promising to install a new extractor system.
It included a "compact" flue, which it describes as "smaller, quieter and visually has no impact on external elevation".
It is also described as being "modest in scale and discreet in design, avoiding overbearing impacts" and having the "least impact on [the] neighbour".
The application also requested the retention of the front canopy and for its operating hours until 9pm to remain.
In the papers, agents acting on behalf of the café said: "This business is a valued part of the local community. It serves affordable and culturally inclusive food options to local families, elderly residents, and event visitors.
"Its presence enhances the high street and contributes to the local economy by drawing additional footfall, particularly during peak periods such as events in nearby Heaton Park.
"Many customers have expressed appreciation for the welcoming atmosphere and community-oriented service.
"Importantly, this café is the applicant’s sole source of income and is run as a small independent venture by a single mother supporting her family.
"Its success is not only critical to her personal livelihood, but also to maintaining independence and contributing to the community.
"The applicant has demonstrated a willingness to adapt to all concerns raised and has taken active steps to improve the premises in response to local feedback."
However, Bury Council has again refused the café's most up-to-date application - again over concerns about noise, but focusing primarily on the canopy.
It follows six objections from neighbours during a planning consultation, which described the extractor as a "nuisance" and said the canopy was a "nuisance" which "creates disturbance" in evenings.
Papers say the canopy was initially only granted consent for use until 7.30pm, and use for customers until 9pm would be "unacceptable".
In its decision, the council said: "Although the site is within a Neighbourhood Shopping Centre, during the evening, the locality around the site is a relatively quiet residential area.
"Although the previously problematic extractor flue has been removed and replaced with a more acceptable internal system with a vent in the wall, the use of the external canopied area for customers until 9pm is likely to cause noise and disturbance to surrounding neighbours.
"The disturbance would likely come from the use of the canopied area and the associated comings and goings of customers, including those with vehicles.
"It is noted that a condition on the previous temporary approval required the use of the canopy for customers would cease at 7.30pm.
"Although there have been instances where the premises have been open beyond 9pm, this is not a factor that would be considered in this assessment.
"More relevant is the potential for the canopied area to be used beyond 7.30pm, and this is a factor that counts against approval with a condition limiting the use of the canopy.
"The proposal, with the use of the canopied area to 9pm, would be unacceptable and cause noise and disturbance, both from the use of that external area and related comings and goings of customers."
The Bury Times attempted to contact the cafe for a comment but it could not be reached.
