Old cafe to be demolished over collapse fears

A fish and chip shop and café will be demolished in a seaside town despite concerns about a lack of long-term plans to replace it.

The Royal Parade building in Filey is unstable and at risk of structural failure, according to North Yorkshire Council, which owns and operates it.

A structural survey carried out this spring described the building, on the southern end of a sea-facing promenade, as being in poor condition with "considerable structural damage", and parts were said to be "unstable and at risk of structural failure".

The building also includes a public toilet and the council has said plans for a replacement were "being examined".

However, Filey councillor Sam Cross said he was not convinced by promises about redevelopment of the site and said he had numerous meetings about 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 Thursday he said "more certainty" was needed about the rebuilding of the property.

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

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, 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.

"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, 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."

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

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