An application to redevelop Hooked on the Rocks is set to go before Falmouth Town Council's planning committee this coming week.

The previous application was refused last time out – the Town Council said that while redevelopment of the restaurant was acceptable they were unhappy with the design.

However, after working through pre-application planning advice from the local planning authority and reflecting on previous planning applications. The revised outcome is considered to be an appropriate, well-designed scheme that is sustainable in economic, social, and environmental terms.

Submitted by BW Planning and Owen + Co on behalf of the applicant Pentagon Facilities Ltd - the application seeks to construct a new building for the business and introduce a new residential dwelling on the first floor.

Proposed elevations of the new building.

The owners of the business explain that one of the impacts of the covid pandemic has been a reduction in revenue. This has amplified the need to redevelop the site and make the restaurant business fit for the future, combing a more effective use of space within a building with lower operating costs. The less energy required to heat the building the better.

They intend to use a reduction in costs and a revival of business turnover to enable them to retain more staff and to have a less seasonal pattern of business, with an aspiration to meet customer demand throughout the year.

Personal protective equipment (PPE) and additional cleaning materials have become a necessity for many businesses, yet this requires storage space, and the existing configuration of the restaurant site no longer provides enough storage space.

A small office/administration area will enable the owners to operate a more effective booking system and improve their record-keeping.

Proposed elevations of the new building.

They say that a residential apartment at the first-floor level could diversify the income stream from the existing restaurant site, be it a rental income from a long-term letting or an income from holiday occupancy. A seasonal variation in the restaurant's income could be mitigated by a steady income stream from the apartment, thus helping the applicant to recover the capital cost of the redevelopment project whilst meeting some of the costs associated with running the lower portion of the proposed building as a restaurant.

Proposed layout of the new restaurant.

The applicant concludes:

"For many hospitality businesses, 2020 and 2021 were difficult years. Economic uncertainty continues into 2022. Therefore, the need to make the best use of land and property and to have a building that contributes to the growth and sustainability of a business is more apparent than ever. The proprietors of the Hooked on the Rocks business recognise their responsibilities as a local employer and strive to create an asset to attract and retain new staff as well as new customers. A new home for a long-established local business is considered to be long overdue."

Click here to see the plans for yourself.