Plans by a Cornwall seafood restaurant to alter its layout have been met with opposition from nearly 100 people who have lodged their complaints with Cornwall Council.
The Beach House, on the outskirts of Falmouth and offering views of Swanpool beach, has requested a licence variation to incorporate an external bar among other changes.
Cornwall Council's licensing department has received 93 letters from local residents expressing concerns that the changes could result in increased noise and anti-social behaviour.
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Tamara Costin and William Speed, owners of Flushing's Harbour House, acquired the former Hooked On The Rocks restaurant in Swanpool in October of the previous year.
Ms Costin has submitted an application to modify the premises' layout, which includes reconfiguring the internal area, adding an awning to the main building for bar service, and incorporating an external bar on the lower terrace, which according to the couple's solicitor, was installed by the previous owners.
The Beach House has consented to conditions stipulating that the external bar will cease operations no later than 11pm, it will be constantly supervised when in use, and will be off-limits to patrons when not in operation to ensure they do not have access to any alcohol. There would be no alterations to the hours for licensable activities.
In addition to the 93 objection letters regarding the changes, the council has also received 13 letters endorsing the modifications. The objections include:
"We wish to object in the strongest possible way. This will cause a public nuisance not only to the residents of Swanpool but anyone living between Swanpool and Falmouth with drunken rowdy people returning home near midnight.
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"This application is entirely unsuitable in an area that is widely recognised for its quiet and beautiful beach and has for these reasons been enjoyed by families for many decades.
"To change the ambience in such a drastic way in a residential setting which is in a recognised area of outstanding natural beauty is totally unacceptable. We urge you to reject this application and put the wishes of locals and residents before the commercial interests of the new owners of the Beach House.
"In recent months the Beach House have had a DJ with very large speakers playing very loud music throughout the day and evening, and it is our understanding that they wish to continue doing this.
"We are concerned that this will completely and permanently change this quiet and safe neighbourhood into a potentially unsavoury area, which can then spill over onto the adjacent beach and around the local homes."
A Falmouth resident, in support of the proposed changes, penned: "I think this is a great idea and is exactly the sort of investment and enhancement that Falmouth and its surrounding areas need. What a fantastic place to sit and unwind with friends and isn't it great that local businesses are willing and able to invest and develop their premises and propositions in this way."
Ewen Macgregor, the solicitor representing the Beach House, also submitted a letter to the council revealing that the previous owners had installed the external bar without obtaining the necessary permissions.
"My client acquired the Beach House in October 2024. Since acquiring the premises, it became apparent that the previous operators of the premises had not only carried out alterations to the main building but had also installed a bar on the external terrace of the premises.
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"It is also our understanding that the external bar was first installed in April 2021 and has operated, for the sale and supply of alcohol, since that time, without issue or complaint. It is regrettable that the previous owners of the premises did not seek approval of the changes at the time. However, having had these changes brought to their attention, my client has immediately sought to correct the oversight of the previous operator."
He continued: "Following discussions with the council it was agreed that the above changes could be dealt with by way of minor variation, which was subsequently submitted. This application drew representations and, in these circumstances, there is no right to a hearing. As such the application was refused without consideration of the material issues. Therefore, the application for a full variation of the licence was submitted."
The application will be determined at an extraordinary session of Cornwall Council's licensing committee on Thursday, August 28.
The establishment made headlines in April when approximately 20 residents voiced concerns to the owners and Cornwall Council after a signpost directing visitors to the beach appeared to have been relocated shortly following the new owners' takeover.
Mr Speed, the restaurant's co-owner, acknowledged he had repositioned the sign to avoid confusion regarding the route. It was subsequently restored to its original location.