Blackpool Restaurant Continues Bid to Retain Glazed Atrium

A restaurant has renewed its campaign to retain a glazed atrium after planning authorities determined it was “detrimental” to views along the Blackpool seafront. The Eating Inn Steakhouse, situated in South Shore, Blackpool, has submitted a new planning application for the extension, following the rejection of its previous proposals by Blackpool Council. The establishment erected the fully-glazed canopy on its forecourt during the Covid pandemic but aims to keep it in place to accommodate the demand for tables. A revised application indicates that the structure has been enhanced and now harmonizes with the existing buildings. “Changes to the structure have taken place since the original planning application and the structure now has a solid roof, more in keeping to the materials of the host building,” the application said. The Eating Inn, located on the Promenade between Waterloo Road and Rawcliffe Street, is a long-established family business in the town, positioned within one of the primary holiday areas. The application asserted that the scheme “represents a high quality improvement to an existing building frontage”. It further stated: “Great expense has gone into creating a simplistic and modern glazed extension that enhances the corporate identity of the business and increases kerb appeal to passing trade, which makes up around 90% of the business’s turnover.” It also noted that the modern materials are comparable to those used in the design of other prominent seafront buildings, such as Festival House and The Spyglass Bar, “all of which positively contribute to the regeneration of the borough”. The initial application was denied in June 2023 by council planners, who utilized delegated powers. A report indicated that the extension was “out of place” and “also has a detrimental impact on strategic views along the Promenade and seafront”.