Approval for new deli and restaurant in Guisborough Town Hall

A change of use planning application was submitted to Redcar and Cleveland Council earlier this year which proposed a deli/restaurant in a vacant ground floor unit which would open daily between 8am and 11pm.

Two full-time and four part-time staff would be employed.

The Guisborough unit previously housed Shorty’s Gin which moved into the grade two listed building in 2022 following a major restoration.

Listed building consent was also sought – and given – for the replacement of solid panels at the rear entrance to the unit with double glazing.

A design, access and heritage statement previously accompanying the application said food and drink would be offered both on site and for takeaway purposes.

It described how minor internal reconfiguration works were planned including the removal of modern plasterboard walls to expose the brickwork behind them and the replacement of a damaged door, along with the installation of fixtures, fittings and counters.

These would not impact the fabric or heritage of the building, the statement said, but would enhance its look.

Meanwhile, the change of active use would support the long-term preservation of the building and contribute “positively to the vitality and viability of the town centre”. 

A council planning officer’s report said the venture would serve “cold deli-style food” along with sandwiches and light meals.

It said a case officer visited the site in April when work had already begun.

The officer concluded that the application raised no issues in terms of neighbour amenity, nor would it have any adverse effect on the character and appearance of the area, while the proposal also complied with local planning policy.

The interior of Guisborough Town Hall was revamped thanks to funding from the National Lottery, the Tees Valley Combined Authority and the Sirius Mining Foundation with luxury visitor accommodation being created on the upper floors.

Redcar and Cleveland Council has maintained ownership of the building, which also hosts a tourist information centre, and leases the ground floor unit to occupiers.