Blackpool eatery again told it must pull down extesion after latest refusal

A Blackpool restaurant fighting to keep its conservatory after planners said it had to come down has seen its latest planning application thrown out.

It comes as a bitter blow for the Eating Inn, on South Shore promenade, which has recently gathered much support from an online petition.

Last year, planners at Blackpool Council turned down a bid by the Eating Inn Steakhouse to keep its glazed extension, saying it conflicted with policies designed to protect the character of the Promenade.

Ben Sharrock, owner of the popular restaurant, in South Shore, had hoped his revised application would be accepted by town hall planners who had already refused a previous scheme for the venue.

The retrospective application for the development, which was built to enable the business to continue trading during Covid, said improvements had been made to the glazed dining area including creating a more solid roof.

But on Wednesday, Blackpool’s planning officer refused the latest application.

A planning officer’s report said the applicants had been advised on several occasions that the “ large aluminium canopy frame installed at the front of the property” was not acceptable.

But the online petition says that the conservatory not only provides a welcoming space but helps to provide jobs and boosts the local economy.

It says: “Visitors and locals alike enjoy the safe, sheltered outdoor dining space, especially important in a seaside town like Blackpool.

“We respectfully ask Blackpool Council to grant an exception or compromise that allows The Eating Inn to keep the conservatory in place. The removal will cause unnecessary harm to staff, customers and the town’s visitor appeal.”

In a report on the latest application, the officer concluded: “ The scheme includes the erection of an extension on the forecourt of a Promenade site which projects significantly beyond the established building line of the neighbouring properties.

“It represents over-bearing and piecemeal development which appears incongruous and intrusive within the street scene, compromises its visual quality and openness, and obscures strategic views along the seafront. “

The report concluded the proposals were contrary to policies in the Blackpool Local Plan Part.