Controversial beach eatery Black Lobster ruled as 'unauthorised' development in planning mix-up  Cornwall Live Full coverage

Controversial beach eatery Black Lobster ruled as 'unauthorised' development in planning row

Despite the planning row many have leaped to the defence of Black Lobster at Hayle

In January Cornwall Live reported that eating areas at the Black Lobster seaside takeaway that have dramatically altered the face of a beach front could be ripped out after it emerged they were constructed without the necessary permissions.

Black Lobster at North Quay, Hayle, serves fresh fish, seafood and dishes from around the world depending on what is landed that day.

It's an ever-changing food experience that landed the business on Cornwall Live’s 19 must-visit best new Cornwall restaurants that opened last year.

However despite winning plaudits from locals and visitors and boasting a number of impressive reviews, owner Felicia Sheingold has found herself at the centre of controversy after it was discovered that two seating areas were installed without planning permission.

To construct these seating areas major work was carried out that altered the original sand dune access to the beach.

Ms Sheingold then submitted a retrospective application to Cornwall Council for planning permission for the change of land use and associated engineering works to form the seating areas.

She also responded to critics reassuring the public of her intentions, saying she would work with planners to address issues and that she hoped the business could double up as an RNLI information point.

However a letter was recently posted on the Cornwall Council planning website by development officer Wendy Gorcutt - and then subsequently removed - which said: “As part of the application process it has been brought to the attention of the council that the current position of the container on the site does not accord with the plans approved under planning application no. PA17/03881. As a result of this alteration to the approved scheme, the development as a whole is unauthorised.”

The letter goes on to seating issues and stating that the front of the Black Lobster should be approximately three metres back from the slipway gate as indicated in the Black Lobster owner's own drawings submitted last year.

The letter has since been posted on the Anything Hayle Facebook page prompting a variety of comments, with some slamming the conduct of Black Lobster while others have posted in support. Several other people have also demanded an explanation about what is going to happen to resolve the breach.

Sharon Skinner wrote: “The beach is a vital resource in Hayle and the environment needs to be protected and come first.”

Mike Bails added: “(I) think my first thoughts on the matter solved the problem, even more so now that it is not in the right place, move the container and crush it, end of problem, plenty more eateries in Hayle, support the long established ones.”

One of those supporting Black Lobster was Fay Dutfield-Horton who wrote: “I support people one to one on the beach at Hayle and my clients have found it to be rather useful regarding refreshments.
“If the owners are spoken to about local concerns I’m sure all could/should be resolved nicely one would hope so. (It’s) such an amazing location it’s a shame people are upset. Fingers crossed it gets sorted soon."

Barry James added: “The Black Lobster has vastly improved what was always the least attractive end of the beach, and its position is key to that. Hope they get whatever permission they need and carry on offering a great service which does nothing but enhance our town.”

Cornwall Live has spoken to Ms Sheingold regarding the breach but has yet to receive an official comment from her.

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