Fish and chip restaurant ruined in fire could reopen

Fifty firefighters were called to the fire in May 2023

A fish and chip shop destroyed in a large fire could have its restaurant reinstated.

Members of East Suffolk’s planning committee are due to discuss the Sole Bay Fish Company’s bid to restore the building in Blackshore Quay, Southwold.

The restaurant caught fire in May last year after several gas cylinders exploded.

No objections to the proposals were submitted but a representation from the owners of an adjacent hut which also burned down in the fire called for a condition requiring the building to be fully compliant with fire regulations.

The Sole Bay Fish Company was majorly affected by the fire last year

The fishmonger’s operations and takeaway sales were re-established earlier this year, and the company applied to reinstate the entirety of the building to ensure the viability of the businesses and jobs, reports the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

The planning statement reads: "Although (previous) planning approval offered help with the takeaway and restaurant, it has been decided that a fuller re-establishment of the building and business activity would be a more suitable solution, creating less disruption to the business and the local area, along with establishing a more suitable long-term outcome for all parties.

"The planning approval is important in creating a viable continuation of this very important business in the tourist location of Southwold."

The officer’s report states the scheme has been properly designed and detailed in planning terms and that it would be down to the building control team, the fire services, and the East Suffolk estates team to ensure the building is compliant with legislation.

The application will be discussed by councillors on Tuesday and is recommended for approval subject to conditions by officers.

If approved, the development would begin within three years of permission being granted.