Fresh plans for Beadnell beachside restaurant
FRESH plans for a two-storey cafe and restaurant have been lodged for a prime spot on the Northumberland coast.
Northumberland Estates’ bid to develop the site in Beadnell, 100 yards from the beach, was approved by six votes to three at the August 2019 meeting of the North Northumberland Local Area Council.
The application, for land south-west of Sandy Lane Court, Bernicia Way, had been recommended for approval by planning officers but had attracted more than 100 objections - although only 40 were from Beadnell residents.
Now a new scheme has been submitted to Northumberland County Council after the site was acquired earlier this year by applicant Stephen Dixon.
A design and access statement explains he “wishes to apply for an updated design which better reflects the ambition of the developers and restaurateurs to create a destination venue for this amazing location at Beadnell Bay”.
It adds the new proposals comprise a ground-floor bar and beachside venue for light meals, including an outdoor seating area, while there would be a more formal restaurant dining space with balcony and terrace space on the first floor.
There would be 17 parking spaces on the main plot, with another 55 on the other side of Bernicia Way. Mr Dixon has also written a supporting letter to call for the application to be dealt with quickly, given it is “merely a change to the design elevations but remains on a similar footprint with a reduction in overall size.”
He wants to start the development in early 2021, or even later this year, to ensure it does not disrupt the main tourist season.
Mr Dixon wrote: “As the developer, having a holiday home of my own adjacent to the proposed development at Bernicia Way, I have a vested interest in ensuring this project meets as much of the criteria for the local and visiting community.
“The recent Covid situation has placed significant pressure on all businesses and lifestyles, with Beadnell’s coast seeing unprecedented levels of visitors.
“All facilities and restaurants have been at breaking point during the popular periods and 2020 has placed the area under immense pressure and wear. Clearly, it seems, 2021 will be no different.”
He also says the scheme would create 10 to 15 full-time jobs and around 30 part-time jobs.
As part of the approval of the 40-unit holiday park in which the site sits, a watersports and visitor centre with cafe was proposed but never constructed.
Last time around, planning officers therefore said the principle of a cafe was acceptable while it would also deliver economic and social benefits.