Seafront café and kiosks to be demolished over fears building could collapse

A coastal fish and chip shop and café will be demolished in a North Yorkshire town despite concerns about a lack of long-term plans.

A set of kiosks, a café, and a public toilet building at the Southern end of a sea-facing promenade in Filey will be demolished by the council over fears it could collapse, after plans were approved by councillors on Thursday, August 20.

The Royal Parade building is unstable and at risk of structural failure, according to North Yorkshire Council (NYC), which owns and operates it. The commercial units were occupied by a fish and chips outlet, a café, an ice cream outlet, and a retail unit.

However, Filey representative Coun Sam Cross said he was not convinced by promises about redevelopment of the site, which officers said would be submitted “in due course”.

Coun Cross said: “Sadly, this building is on my patch and I’ve had lots of meetings about the site over the past 10-15 years regarding its poor condition.

“I met with five senior officers last year, and they recognised the urgency of the situation, which was over 18 months ago. The café has now closed, and these businesses are in a difficult trading position following the loss of eight staff jobs.”

Speaking at a meeting of the Thirsk and Malton Area Committee on August 20, he added: “What this submission needs is more certainty. It’s a neglected council building. What information can be obtained regarding the reality of the situation going forward and rebuilding?

“I would like this deferred until we have plans for a new building.”

A structural survey carried out this spring described the building as being in poor condition with “considerable structural damage”, and parts were said to be “unstable and at risk of structural failure”.

John Barclay, of Align Property Services, told councillors that an emergency inspection at the start of the year found serious defects and a risk of collapse, displaced walls, and large cracks.

He told the committee: “The building’s structural integrity has been compromised. It cannot be considered suitable for unrestricted public access, and the site’s stability could deteriorate in poor weather.

“Proposals are being examined for a replacement scheme which will be delivered in due course.”

In a report, planners said there were “clearly substantial structural issues, and immediate mitigation measures are required to secure the building”.

Chair of the committee, Coun Caroline Goodrick, said: “Frankly, we are wasting money by keeping it as it is. We need to flatten this and get a new building in due course.”

Coun Alyson Baker added: “It’s something waiting to be used for antisocial behaviour if it’s left unoccupied, with young people congregating and getting up to mischief. It should be demolished as soon as possible.”

The committee voted to approve the demolition with two votes in favour and one abstention.