Popular Scarborough Mere Café's alcohol application set to be decided this week

Darren Miller of the Mere Café, off Mere Lane, wants permission to sell drinks from 10am until 9.30pm seven days a week.

The application for a permanent licence states that: "The premises will primarily operate as a café/bistro and not a vertical drinking establishment [and] alcohol for collection or delivery is only permitted with food."

The café sits within the car park of Scarborough Mere, a natural lake located in the Weaponness Valley next to Oliver's Mount.

Ten members of the public have objected to the application, which means that Scarborough Council s licensing sub-committee will now be called on to make a decision.

A report prepared for the committee ahead of its meeting on Wednesday states that the objectors have concerns about the noise and increase in traffic and litter it could bring if the licence is granted.

The report adds: "[There are] concerns to public safety as the café is located close to an open body of water."

North Yorkshire Police has not objected to the application.

At one time, the mere spanned over 16 hectares in size, but when the railway came to Scarborough in 1844 it was greatly reduced to make room.

After the First World War it was transformed into a traditional park, with floral beds and lawns and activities such as boating.

Today, it is home to a number of different species of birds, plants, fish and even otters are known to frequent the site.

On Wednesday, the councillors will have to decide whether to approve, refuse or grant with amendments the application from Mr Miller.