A new family-run bakery is coming to an East Lancashire town after the council approved a planning application earlier this month.

The former Silverwoods Auction house, in Lincoln Way, Clitheroe, is set to be transformed into a Studio Bakery site.

The auction house featured on BBC One antiques programme Flog It! before trading ceased in 2021.

The family-run Studio Bakery supplies its artisan products to Booths, cafes and independent companies.

A spokesperson said there will also be the option to take away artisan bakes, drinks, sandwiches and more.

Once built, this will be Studio Bakery’s second site with the first currently open at the The Cow Shed in Bolton by Bowland.  

A spokesperson for Studio Bakery said: “We are putting a takeaway bakery in so we can sell our products directly to customers.

“The shop will also have hot and cold drinks and sandwiches, toasties bacon butties etc.

“We supply booths mainly their stores and cafes and a few independents.”

Ribble Valley Council received the ‘change of use’ planning application in March before approving it with conditions at the end of June.  

Speaking on behalf of Studio Bakery Ltd, architects Sunderland Peacock and Associates submitted the proposal and said the new business would bring “new and existing clients” to the area.

They said: “The proposed use of the building is for Studio Bakery’s food production and sales as well as storage area.

“The industrial unit will maintain the existing layout with the inclusion of a small sales area to the front space. There will be a new metal security fence erected, as well as the creation of seven new parking spaces with associated cycle parking.

“The proposals that form the basis of this application will have create a positive re-use for the existing building which is set within a commercial area of the town.

“The proposed change of use will allow a the Studio Bakery business to bring existing and new clients into the area which will be supported by adequate parking and access arrangements.”

Councillors approved the proposal but only if certain conditions are met.

These include:

  • The proposed development commencing before the expiration of three years from the date of this permission.
  • Details of the metal boundary fence and gates to be erected shall be submitted to and agreed in writing by the Local Planning Authority prior to installation. 
  • Parking and turning facilities must be implemented before occupation  
  • Prior to the first occupation of the development a minimum of two car parking spaces shall have an electric vehicle charging point installed

Studio Bakery started in an outbuilding in Allison Metcalf’s back garden five years ago.

Now, the family-run business specialise in creating creative sweet treats by hand, using no artificial colours, preservatives, or flavours - only natural, good quality ingredients that you would use at home.