Sole Bay Fish Company to reinstate restaurant after fire

Sole Bay Fish Company, based at Blackshore in Southwold, has applied to East Suffolk Council for permission to temporarily reinstate part of the restaurant so trade can take place during the autumn months to ensure the all-year round viability of the business.

The blaze on May 1 stopped the restaurant from trading, leaving just the fishmonger and takeaway side of the business in operation.

During the summer months there has been outdoor seating for customers which is unsuitable for the autumn. Therefore, an enclosed restaurant is needed.

Up to 80 firefighters from across Suffolk were called to tackle the flames at Blackshore Quay, including crews from Lowestoft, Haverhill, Beccles, Halesworth, Woodbridge, Leiston and Wrentham.

READ MORE: Sole Bay Fish Company in Southwold reopens after huge fire

In June, the business announced that it had reopened and was 'up and frying' again following the fire.

The temporary restaurant will remain in place until the company can reach an agreement with East Suffolk Council, which owns the land, for a long-term solution to keep the business operating.

READ MORE: Southwold fish and chip shops badly damaged in fire

In a design and access statement with the application, the applicant's agent Ian Garrett Building Design said: "The temporary planning approval is important in creating a viable continuation of this very important business in the tourist location of Southwold, along with the retention of staffing, which without vital help from the landowner and planning authority, will potentially be unemployed."

The temporary restaurant will be smaller than the original structure and will be within a 'roofed-in' area of the building that was saved by fire crews.

READ MORE: Southwold news

However, some of the materials will need to be replaced to match those lost in the fire.

A decision on the plans is yet to be made.

READ MORE: Suffolk news