A DEVELOPER is baffled after an NHS boss claimed his plans for a health food cafe selling granola and protein pancakes would entice drug users and "undesirables" to the town centre.

The NHS Diabetes Clinic has written to Bolton Council to object to an application to turn a former garage, opposite their centre in Chorley Street, Bolton, into a health food cafe and takeaway.

Entrepreneur Oliver Birchall is looking to open a new eatery called Nutri Bar in the empty shop close to David Lloyd Leisure, selling healthy food for local workers, residents and gym members — and he said he is baffled by the complaints.

In an email to a planning officer in the town hall, Tony Snowden, the general manager of estates and facilities at Bolton NHS Foundation Trust, claimed the new cafe will damage the surrounding area.

He added: “You commented this application will not entice undesireable/drug users to the area, the sheer nature of the business together with opening times will have this effect.”

In his strongly-worded email, Mr Snowden also raises concerns that the patient car park at the diabetic centre will be used by customers of the cafe, "add significantly" to the litter problems in the area, and only offer low-skilled part-time jobs.

"Fast food operators produces leaflets on subjects such as nutrition, healthy eating, the environment etc, which are distributed", he added.

"These leaflets give a highly misleading view of the health and environmental implications of their practices, and are an affront to concerned local residents.”

Mr Birchall told The Bolton News that he plans to attend Thursday's meeting of the planning committee to reassure councillors his new venture will be a boost to business in the town.

The 21-year-old Manchester resident said: "I find it all very strange. I can't imagine the NHS writes to every kebab shop around the country to object.

"I can understand some of his points because you don't want to mess up the area, but we are not there to do that — we want to work with the NHS.

"The irony of it is that we are trying to support healthy options and healthy futures.

"Our business should help their patients — they should be encouraging them to use us."

If given the green light, the enterprise will sell hot drinks and food from 7am until 6pm on weekdays, and create at least three new jobs.

Bolton Council planning officer Martin Mansell has recommended that councillors approve the application on Thursday.

In a report to the planning committee, he wrote: "The benefits of the removal of the industrial use together with the benefits of occupancy and economic development are clear.

"The proposed use as a health food cafe and takeaway is considered to be acceptable and to some degree beneficial."

Mr Snowden said he did not intend his letter to be listed as an objection, and he wanted the local authority to take note of his comments.

Asked whether he believed the healthy cafe could lead to an increase in drug use in the area, he said: “It is a subjective view. If you are increasing the footfall to the area, along with the times of opening you could have that situation.

“If what the applicant says is true and if what he says occurs, yes, I am happy with that.”