A PLANNED ice cream parlour, café and bakery in Seascale has been granted a licence to sell alcohol, despite some local objections.

The former convenience store, which was previously allowed to sell alcohol, is in South Parade and will be known as Mawson's when it opens.

Lizzie Mawson, the business owner, had applied for the licence to Cumberland Council and it was heard at The Copeland Centre in Whitehaven on Monday (April 15).

After a short period of deliberation, she was told by the chairman of the licensing sub-committee that it was a "unanimous" decision.

Councillor Mike Hawkins (Mirehouse, Labour), the chairman, said: "The sub-committee has considered the application and heard from yourself, the licensing officer, planning officers and the objectors.

"Having had regard for the evidence and the provisions of the licensing act, the national guidance, the local licensing policy and the four licensing objectives, the sub-committee have unanimously decided to grant you the licence."

Mrs Mawson thanked the members of the committee and, speaking after the hearing, said she was hoping to open Mawson's within the next few weeks.

Louise Nicholas, a senior licensing officer at the council, told members that the application was to sell alcohol between 10am and 10pm, seven days a week, and it was only for part of the premises where it would be sold. She added: "There are other premises nearby that have alcohol licences."

Mrs Mawson said that she already runs a business in Seascale and she had bought the shop and was in the process of "renovating it to a high standard".

Brenda Parsons, who lives next to the site and objected to the application, claimed it would have an adverse effect on residents' quality of life because the sale of alcohol would lead to anti-social behaviour.

In addition, she alleged that Mrs Mawson was getting preferential treatment from the council because she was the leader of Seascale parish council.

Cllr Hawkins said that her allegations were opinions and he assured her that councillors needed to follow a code of conduct. He added: "She would have to declare an interest."

Councillor Sam Pollen (Egremont, Labour) referred to her allegations and said: "I don't see a lot of evidence for that."

Councillor Michael Eldon (Cleator Moor West, Labour) said that there were other outlets selling alcohol in the area. Ms Parsons said that the Co-op store was "some distance away" and added: "We have to live with the anti-social behaviour when it erupts."

Cllr Pollen said: "You seem to be pointing the finger of any future anti-social behaviour at one business."

Linda Parsons, who also objected to the application, said that a fish shop in the village only sold alcohol until 9pm with "proper meals" unlike the proposed menu at Mawson's, which included pizzas and tapas, which she described as "bar food".