Whitby Restaurant’s Outdoor Seating Plan Sparks Debate

Proposals by The Treasury in Whitby to reinstate its outdoor seating area have divided opinions in the town between pedestrian safety concerns and support for local business.

Plans by The Treasury in Whitby – which is located in a Grade II-listed former bank at 4, Baxtergate – to reinstate its outdoor seating area have led to differing responses from residents some who have branded the scheme “ludicrous” and others “a fantastic idea”.

The Treasury, has applied to place 10 tables, seating for 33 people and six olive trees outside the former HSBC bank, which opened to customers in June.

If approved, the outdoor seating could be in place from 8am to 10.30pm, seven days a week.

Five objections were submitted raising concerns about pedestrian safety and the availability of public seating areas, while 20 residents called for the plan to be approved.

Councillors are set to debate the proposal at a meeting of the licensing sub-committee on Monday, August 10.

The Treasury’s director Mr Hussain, said that the outdoor seating had already operated successfully during a trial period and no objections were made by the Highway Authority or North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service.

However, town councillor Michelle Harle said the area left for pedestrians was “nowhere near big enough” and would cause a “public nuisance from late-night disruption and anti-social behaviour”.

She added:

“A lot of drunk, rowdy people in that corner is just a recipe for disaster in my opinion. Had they applied for a smaller area with a better operating timeframe, I may not have objected.”

Submitted plans state that the Highway Authority requested that “a minimum pedestrian footway of 1.5 metres be maintained, and this requirement has been fully met”.

Commenting in support of the plan, a long-time Whitby resident said:

“Having lived in Whitby for over 30 years, it is always a pleasure to see improvements that are a benefit to the locals and tourists alike. The furniture outside The Treasury is very attractive and well cared for, and I have had the opportunity to use it on several occasions when taking a break from shopping.”

Another objector said:

“Reducing the width of the footpath to two metres is unacceptable in an area of high footfall.”

They added:

“This area with the ammonite seating is a very well-used public amenity, one of very few in the town – this cannot be allowed.”

In a letter to the council, Mr Hussain said:

“Responsibility for the ammonites rests with Street Scene, who are conducting a separate public consultation regarding their future location. During meetings, Street Scene have confirmed that the ammonites will be relocated elsewhere within Whitby as part of their wider regeneration project and as such, they are not a material consideration in determining this licensing application.”

Another objector said:

“The extent of the proposed seating area is ludicrous and is absolutely an accident waiting to happen. It is encroaching on pedestrians’ right of way, and reducing the width of the footpath to two metres is unacceptable in an area of such high footfall.”

However, more than a dozen letters of support were also submitted by members of the public.

One resident said:

“The Treasury is a valued local business that contributes positively to the area, and outdoor seating would enhance the experience for both residents and visitors while supporting the vitality of the town centre.

“It would create a welcoming atmosphere, encourage people to spend more time in the area, and benefit neighbouring businesses through increased footfall.”

Another supporter said:

“Allowing outdoor seating isn’t just a practical addition; it’s a chance to create a vibrant, welcoming focal point that encourages people to gather, stay longer, and enjoy Whitby. It would turn a once-neglected corner into a well-needed outdoor seated space that boosts footfall, supports local business, and adds warmth and atmosphere to the town.”

Members of the public have been invited to attend the meeting of the licensing sub-committee at Scarborough Town Hall at 12.15pm on Monday, August 10.