New Outdoor Seating And Glass Extensions Proposed For Yorkshire Coast Eateries

Three popular food and drink venues in Seamer, Filey, and Scarborough have submitted plans to expand their seating capacity and weather-proof their dining areas.

Dining capacities will increase across the Yorkshire Coast if new planning and licensing applications are approved this month.

Three popular establishments in Seamer, Filey, and Scarborough have submitted proposals to North Yorkshire Council to expand their outdoor and year-round seating areas.

Customers at Wilson’s Food Hall in Seamer could soon enjoy their meals in a new glass extension.

The business wants to replace a currently undefined outdoor seating area with a modern structure protruding 3.2 metres from the front elevation and measuring 7.3 metres wide.

A planning statement submitted on behalf of the applicant explained the financial and practical benefits of the proposed extension. The applicant stated:

"This would allow the business to trade consistently across all seasons, reducing its exposure to seasonal fluctuation and improving its long-term financial resilience. The additional capacity would enable Wilson’s Food Hall to meet existing demand that currently cannot be accommodated, safeguarding both the business itself and the local jobs it supports."

Outdoor seating hours at the Main Street venue were extended to run from 7.30am to 7pm earlier this year.

The applicant noted that the new enclosed space would address previous noise concerns raised by local residents and the council’s environmental health team. They said:

"Although the scheme was found acceptable, some initial concerns were raised regarding the impact on amenity by local representation and the council’s environmental health team. This proposed development would, in fact, reduce the impact on amenity by controlling the noise emissions. The proposal is a modern intervention and would improve the overall appearance of the existing building. In regard to heritage, the application sits within the Seamer conservation area and as such, the proposal is considered to preserve, and to some extent, enhance the conservation area."

Separately, the business is also hoping to turn the Newby and Scalby Community Hall into Wilson’s Food and Community Hall, though this proposal has faced objections from locals concerned about a lack of consultation by the current trustees.

Meanwhile, visitors to Filey could soon have more options for outdoor dining.

The Lighthouse Tea Room has submitted a pavement licence proposal for its premises at 44 Belle Vue Street.

If approved, the nautically themed establishment will be permitted to keep three tables and six chairs outside the venue.

The family-run business highlights its commitment to local produce on its website. The owners stated:

"We are a local family-run business offering the warmest of welcomes to all of our visitors. We pride ourselves on the finest home baking and freshly made breakfasts, brunch, lunch and afternoon teas served in the heart of Filey, a jewel on the Yorkshire coast."

The Lighthouse Tea Room is highly regarded by patrons, holding the position of the second-best restaurant in Filey on TripAdvisor with a score of 4.8 out of five.

A recent customer shared their positive experience online, praising the manager, Emma. The customer wrote:

"What a gem and Emma could not have been more helpful. We enjoyed honest, wholesome food freshly prepared which was delicious. If you’re after traditional fare rather than fish and chips, this is the place to go. All served with a smile."

Another visitor praised the staff for their exceptional customer service during a birthday celebration last month. The patron commented:

"We have always received a warm welcome from Emma and her staff. This year though, they went one step further and surprised my partner on his 70th Birthday by bringing him cake after our breakfast and singing Happy Birthday to him – even the customers joined in with the singing. The best start to a birthday."

In Scarborough town centre, three tables and up to a dozen chairs will be placed outside Emma's Coffee Lounge if a new pavement licence is approved.

The popular Huntriss Row venue, which opened in 1981, is seeking to expand its street presence.

The proposal by Bethany Lerigo requests permission for the new outdoor seating layout from North Yorkshire Council.

According to its website, the coffee shop team is delighted to support local producers and suppliers and is justifiably proud of its handmade cakes and pastries.

Members of the public have until Friday, September 11, to comment on the Scarborough application, and until Tuesday, September 15, for the Filey pavement seating plans.

Residents wishing to comment on either of the pavement licence applications can contact North Yorkshire Council's licensing services in writing or by email.