A new restaurant near Torquay harbour has applied for permission to operate a late-night takeaway service until 2am as part of plans to expand the business already trading from the site.
An application submitted to Torbay Council proposes a change of use for 3 The Strand from Class E commercial use to a mixed use incorporating both a restaurant and hot food takeaway. The plans also seek retrospective permission for a replacement shop front, illuminated signage and an extractor flue installed at the property.
The application has been made on behalf of Mr Suresh Sivarasa for the premises known as Torbay Kitchen at 3 The Strand, close to Torquay harbourside. Planning documents state the ground floor was previously occupied by a gift shop before being converted into a restaurant operation.
According to the submitted planning statement, the restaurant element of the business is already operating and does not require planning permission because restaurant use falls within the same Class E planning category as the former shop use. The new application specifically relates to the addition of takeaway services and retention of alterations already carried out to the building.
Planning documents state the applicant wants to offer takeaway food both directly from the premises and through delivery services during evening and night-time hours.
The proposed opening hours for the dine-in restaurant are from 11am until midnight seven days a week, while the takeaway service would operate from 11am until 2am daily. Documents submitted to the council state the business is currently operating as a dine-in restaurant between midday and 11pm.
The planning statement says the takeaway operation would run from a serving hatch on The Strand frontage after midnight, with delivery orders also available.
The site sits within Torquay town centre near Fleet Street and the harbour area, surrounded by shops, restaurants, bars and cafes. The building is located within a conservation area, although the application states it is not listed and has undergone significant alterations over the years.
Planning consultants XL Planning Ltd argued the proposal would support Torquay’s evening economy and provide additional customer choice without harming the vitality of the town centre.
The application also includes details of a new illuminated frontage and signage. Planning documents state the applicant proposes blue illuminated “Torbay Kitchen” lettering with white secondary text. The submitted statement says the lighting levels would be “mid-range brightness” and comparable with other illuminated businesses around the harbour area.
Photographs submitted with the application show examples of illuminated restaurant and bar signage elsewhere around Torquay harbour and town centre.
A separate noise impact assessment commissioned by the applicant examined the effect of the kitchen extraction system on nearby homes. The report concluded the installation would have a “low risk of adverse impact” and described the assessment outcome as acceptable.
The application states the premises would continue to provide internal seating for customers, with food preparation and storage areas located within the basement.
Torbay Council will decide the application at a later date.
