Seaside restaurant plan go-ahead despite almost 500 objections

PLANS FOR a restaurant in the heart of Whitby have been approved, despite hundreds of objections from residents.

Scarborough Council’s planning officers have granted permission for the former NatWest building at 78 Baxtergate to be transformed into a three-storey eatery.

The planning application for a change of use for the building, by Morgan Lloyd Jones Project Management Ltd, does not specify the type of restaurant. However, it has been speculated that it could be another fish and chip shop.

In total, 486 people wrote to the council to object to the plans, many of whom said there were already enough on offer in Whitby.

Objector Margaret Hall, of Sandgate, Whitby, said: “The very last thing Whitby is in need of is another fish and chip shop. This plan to turn the bank into a fish and chip restaurant is an insult to Whitby – and the multitude of such businesses (big and small) that have carved out a wellearned reputation for serving locals and visitors.”

Whitby’s Civic Society also expressed doubts over claims in the application that 50 new jobs would be created.

The applicant refused to confirm the nature of the restaurant. Despite the 500 objections lodged against the plans – and seven in support – it was granted by council planning manager David Walker.

The officer’s report into the application states that a great number of the objections had nothing to do with planning law. It stated: “The main reason for objection in the majority of the representations received was based on the fact that the objectors considered that Whitby did not need another fish and chip restaurant.”

Mr Walker granted the applicant permission, subject to the satisfying conditions regarding odour extraction, refuse collection and delivery times.