An unpopular plan for a block of derelict toilets in Saddleworth to be turned into an ice cream cafe are to be decided this week.

Based at King George V Playing Fields on Wade Row, Uppermill, the toilets were closed in 2018 and now Grandpa Greene's Luxury Ice Cream wants to open a cafe on the site.

The proposal has been met with backlash from residents, but after amended plans were submitted in May, the council's planning committee has been recommended to approve the plans when it meets on Wednesday.

In total, more than 120 objections have been submitted by members of the public on the application and a petition against the proposal has been signed at least 1,300 times.

According to an application report, it has been argued that the public benefits the cafe would bring would outweigh any harm to the conservation area.

The main concerns from the public centre on the impact on the conservation area, the loss of space and litter problems.

However, the application report states the benefits would be a return of public toilets, which includes a disabled toilet, the reuse of a public building and the improvement to the design of the building.  

It is also thought the Grandpa Greene's cafe would contribute to the park and wider economy of the village.

Grandpa Greene's is an award-winning ice cream parlour which has been trading in Saddleworth since 2005.

The recommended approval of the plans would be subject to conditions, largely revolving around opening times.

The application report states the cafe shall only be open between 9am and 7pm Monday to Sunday, including bank holidays, with delivery hours limited from 8am to 9pm Monday to Saturday and 9am to 8pm on Sundays and bank holidays.

The conclusion of the application report reads: "It is considered that the change of use of the building together with a single storey extension and new roof would amount to ‘less than substantial’ harm to the character and appearance of the Uppermill Conservation Area."