A PLANNING application has been lodged to convert a front garden into a ‘secret garden’ coffee shop.

The application is for a residential property at 26 Sopwith Crescent in Merley, which aims to ‘serve local residents of the Merley area.’

Secret Garden Coffee was thought up by husband-and-wife team Pippa and Mike Wheeler, who want to open a ‘community coffee shop from their home. '

The plan includes installing a gate in the hedge to welcome visitors.

There will be a few tables both inside and outside, with Pippa anticipating a capacity for around 12 people at a time.

(Image: NQ)

Pippa said: “It’s such a lovely space and the idea was to be able to put something small and community driven that people can walk to in Merley.”

Merley has a population of more than 10,000 people, and there are currently no cafés.

Pippa said: “We moved here about three or four years ago, and we have noticed the need for something like this.

“There’s just nothing here. We want to create a beautiful space for the area that we live in as well.

“It's really thinking about having something here for locals on foot that is community driven.”

The application has received significant feedback from residents in the surrounding area, many of which has been positive.

One resident said: “Merley would greatly benefit from having a community coffee shop.

“The proposed plans are on a main walking route for school, opposite the church, and up the road from the local shops and parking.

 “It’s in a great spot to enable friends and neighbours to stop and catch up over a cup of coffee and will further promote the community feel of our area.”

A few residents have voiced concerns over traffic, opening hours and delivery vans.

In response to the feedback, Pippa said: “We’ve really tried to think about our neighbours and be respectful of what that means.

“Our opening hours will be 8am till 2pm. In terms of parking, we plan to have four spaces but what we hope is that people will come on foot.”

Pippa said she plans to have a small menu with locally sourced produce, cakes, teas, and, of course, coffee.