The redevelopers of a Grade II-listed bakery are under investigation for a possible breach of planning law.

Herts Advertiser: The Old Bakery, Wheathampstead. Picture: DANNY LOOThe Old Bakery, Wheathampstead. Picture: DANNY LOO (Image: ©2018 Danny Loo Photography - all rights reserved)

The Old Bakery at 3 Station Road, Wheathampstead, is under criminal investigation under the 1990 Planning Act.

St Albans council’s head of planning Tracy Harvey said: “Our enforcement team have started an investigation into possible breaches of planning law for listed buildings.”

A spokesperson for The Purple Bakery, which is due to open at the premises, said: “We have been notified by SADC’s planning department that elements of our internal repair works may have damaged parts of the Grade II-listed building. The historic integrity of the property is very important to us and we welcome SADC’s involvement.

“We are passionate about bringing something special to Wheathampstead and returning the building to its former glory as a central part of the community. Whilst we hope our launch date is not delayed too long, we take our role as custodians of a beautiful 16th century medieval hall house very seriously.”

Purple Venues has applied to St Albans council for a licence to sell alcohol and play recorded music at a restaurant they want to open on the premises.

Music would be played from 6pm to 11.30pm on Monday to Saturday and until 11pm on Sunday, alcohol would be sold for consumption on the premises from 8am to 11.30pm on Monday to Saturday and from 9am to 11pm on Sunday. There is also an application to serve late night refreshment between 11pm and 11.30pm between Monday and Saturday and applying for opening hours from 8am and 11.30pm Monday to Saturday and 9am to 11pm on Sunday.

A number of residents from around Station Road have objected to the proposal, including the owners of a care home at 1 Station Road, next door to the bakery.

In a letter to the council, the owners write: “It is a registered care home for older people with learning difficulties and dementia. These individuals are vulnerable and there are two bedrooms to the front of the property and we are concerned the noise will cause disturbance and have an impact on their sleep.”

To see the application and the objections, visit stalbans.moderngov.co.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?MId=8699&x=1&