A cafe at Rutland Castle looks set to be the county council's cup of tea.

Members of its planning committee next week are recommended to approve for part of use of the historic building to create the cafe.

The change of use, which has been submitted by the county council, concerns Court number 1 room, kitchen and courtyard, plus outdoor space.

A report prepared for the meeting next Tuesday said: "In principle the café would be a compatible use with the Castle as a heritage attraction, and would not have a detrimental impact upon the town centre, the historic significance of the heritage assets, local amenity, or the surrounding area.

"Notwithstanding this, a condition is included for a 12 month review of the use, to ensure that there isn't an unacceptable impact upon the educational offer of the Castle as a result of the change of use."

"The space would then be leased to a café owner to operate from."

As Nub News also reported , "Castle Cottage Café has recently closed around the corner (with that site reverting back to residential use), and the owner has expressed interest in moving the business to here.

"The applicant has advised that the food served will be mainly cakes, toasts/paninis and salads. There will be no deep fat frying or open fire cooking. The kitchen is well ventilated and there is no need for extraction or other plant. Additionally no internal alterations are proposed that would require Listed Building Consent."

In consultation, Historic England said it can see the benefit of the proposal to the viability of the site, but it had concern about the potential impact on the listed building and the scheduled site.

A letter from a local resident supported the scheme in general but raised concerns over the use of paper cups and what provision will the council make for other groups wishing to use the site.

The report by planning staff recommended approval and concluded: "The proposal has been assessed against the local and national planning policies and would not have a detrimental impact upon the town centre, the historic significance of the heritage assets, local amenity, or the surrounding area."