Fresh plans to convert Sidmouth Drill Hall into new Rockfish restaurant submitted

Fresh plans to convert Sidmouth's seafront Drill Hall into a new Rockfish restaurant have been submitted for approval to East Devon District Council.

Planning permission was originally granted in 2020, but work was unable to go ahead within the three-year start limit due to delays.

The Rockfish series of restaurants in Devon and Dorset is owned by celebrity chef Mitch Tonks.

The proposal is to extend the existing building, have a new outdoor terrace with seating and create a new public toilet block to replace the old one.

Sidmouth Drill Hall and public toilet block (Google)

The original interior is proposed to be preserved "as much as possible", with the primary dining space in the main hall on the ground floor, with four new window openings in the bays along the eastern wall. The extension would have secondary seating with three large windows.

The existing first floor is intended to be converted to a small private dining area, with an internal opening created between the chimney breast piers to allow views out over the main restaurant.

The kitchen and toilets are proposed to be positioned at the rear of the existing building.

The existing toilets and staircase beyond the rear wall of the building would be removed, and a back door and small decking added for kitchen delivery use and as a fire exit.

The new public toilet block would have two accessible unisex bathrooms and baby changing facilities.

The application is currently awaiting a decision from the district council.

Click here to see the application.