BREAKING: Rockfish restaurant plans given the green light

Popular seafood restaurant Rockfish's plans to take over and transform a redundant Sidmouth seafront site have been given the go-ahead.

Rockfish owner Mitch Tonks' wish to convert the historic Drill Hall site at the end of Sidmouth seafront into a new restaurant, can now become a reality.

Rockfish's planning application for the redundant Drill Hall building on Sidmouth seafront was approved by the Local Planning Authority's Development Management Committee (DMC) at a meeting on Tuesday 4 February 2020.

The legal agreement for the sale of the property to Rockfish, which was conditional upon Rockfish securing planning permission, can now be concluded and Rockfish will now take on the building from the council.

The restaurant will operate in the same successful formula as the other Rockfish restaurants in Dartmouth, Plymouth, Torquay, Exmouth, Plymouth, Weymouth and Exeter, and investment into the Sidmouth project will be in excess of £1m and there will be the creation of 30-40 local jobs, if the plans are approved.

East Devon District Council's cabinet last year unanimously decided to select Rockfish's bid as their preferred bid for the redevelopment and renewal of Drill Hall.

Today East Devon District Council's Planning Committee voted to approve the plans.

When the plans were submitted last summer, Mr Tonks said: "The Drill Hall is a unique site that has been empty for a long time, it has the most unique features that we are looking to retain and enhance as part of our scheme so as we can bring the building back to its former glory.

"Sidmouth is a wonderful seaside town that fits our ethos of fresh fish being eaten by the sea and if our application is successful, we are very much looking forward to making Rockfish Sidmouth a leading seafood destination and a community asset."

The exterior of the building will be designed to look like a working fishing building that is sympathetic with the neighbouring sailing club, RNLI & trawler agents.

As landowner of the former Drill Hall, East Devon District Council has been working closely with Rockfish who are its preferred developer for the site, since March 2019, when the sale was agreed, following a meeting of Cabinet.

Rockfish submitted a planning application in August 2019.

Rockfish will now carry out the refurbishment of the old Drill Hall building to convert it into another of their high quality and popular restaurants.

The refurbishment of this well-known site will be a great addition for Sidmouth residents and visitors alike and will benefit the town's seafront.

Councillor Geoff Pook, East Devon District Council's portfolio holder for asset management: "I am delighted that Rockfish have been granted planning permission for the Drill Hall site in Sidmouth. The Drill Hall has been empty for some years now and the opening of a new Rockfish restaurant on this site will be an excellent addition to Sidmouth seafront, bringing new visitors to the town and creating new jobs."

Sidmouth Town ward member councillor Cathy Gardner, said: "I'm delighted that the old Drill Hall is finally going to get a new lease of life. This restaurant will greatly improve Port Royal and I know many residents are keen to see it open as soon as possible."