CAFé customers have been left furious following a controversial planning decision which has potentially closed a village amenity.

Violet the Vintage Caravan in Sible Hedingham has become a favourite among villagers after it opened 14 months ago.

The 1950s-inspired tea room is based out of a caravan on the driveway at the home of its creator, Nicola Littlejohn, on Swan Street.

It opened at the peak of the 2020 lockdown and was a welcome addition to the village for many.

Although it only started with Nicola, she later hired staff due to increasing demand.

However, following complaints over increased footfall on the street, Braintree Council told Nicola she would need planning permission to change the use of her property to part business use.

With fears rising over the future of the café, Nicola also launched a petition so residents could show their support for the business.

This petition was signed by nearly 2,000 people.

Protestors even gathered outside Braintree Council offices at Causeway House when the issue was being discussed.

However, Braintree Council’s planning committee refused to allow permission for the café to stay operating due to issues including parking, lack of extraction ventilation, and the ability for the land to be sold and used by another food provider in the future.

As a result, the bid was rejected leaving Nicola devastated and the future of the caravan café in jeopardy.

The result has not gone down well with the café’s supporters.

Many have since taken to the caravan’s Facebook page to show their support to Nicola and air their frustrations with Braintree Council.

John Andrew Ewers said: “Very sad and unnecessary. Never did anybody any harm or any inconvenience.

“Footfall and parking excuses are nonsense for starters.”

Buddy Ackroyd added: “Shame on you Braintree Council. You don’t object to hundreds of houses being built and no infrastructure in place? No logic at all in this crazy decision.”

Kala Dowsett commented: “Absolutely disgusting. The ones that opposed this should be ashamed of themselves. I hope somebody allows her to trade on their premises.”