Wiltshire Council planners have granted permission for a tea room to open in the former Gary Hatto barber shop in The Ginnel, Devizes.

Alan and Ramona Richards, of Trowbridge Road, Seend, own the building which has been empty for about a year and believe there is a niche in the market for a tea room selling speciality teas.

Mr Richards is a qualified food technologist and worked in the food industry for 15 years.

He and his wife have been running Home Sweep Home, a domestic and commercial cleaning business for the past five years.

Only one objection was received by Wiltshire Council to the plans which related to concern about the loss of a retail unit.

The proposal originally included to replace the front door, but as it is a listed building and was contrary to the provisions of the National Planning Policy Framework, Mr and Mrs Richards have agreed to withdraw this element.

Wiltshire Council planning officer Jennifer Allen said in her report granting permission: “The proposed alterations and signage would not harm the character of the area and would not harm the amenities of the surrounding properties.”

Mr Richards said: “We are very relieved to receive planning permission and we can now carry on with the work we intend to do in the shop.

“It’s going to be at least four to six weeks before we open.”