Seaham micropub to open pizza service and accommodation after plans approved

Earlier this year, Durham County Council received a planning application for The Coalface at 73 Church Street in the town.

The new plans aim to give the building a facelift with a redesigned shop front, brickwork improvements, replacement windows and repairs to the upper chimney.

The upper floors of the building are also earmarked for an Airbnb rental facility.

Meanwhile, a rear storage building will be repurposed as a pizza takeaway shop to supply the micropub and general public.

Following consultation, Durham County Council’s planning authority approved the plans on Monday, July 27.

When completed, a rear access road would serve the pizza takeaway shop with a new point of access created for the upstairs accommodation.

A Design, Access and Heritage Statement also outlines the repair programme for the building.

It reads: “The new shopfront is being installed to suit the new use (micropub), and has departed from the original shopfront design which was for a butchers.

“Instead we have used the neighbouring property as the basis of the design proposals.

“The new shopfront has also introduced a traditional awning design which is in keeping with the historical information.

“The proposals seek to restore the building and are in keeping with the overall strategy for Church Street. Given the condition of the asset the impact is very low.”

According to planning documents, the property has been highlighted as a high priority building within the ‘building improvement grant scheme’ which is being funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and the county council.

Under planning conditions, the works must be brought forward within the next three years.

Agreed opening hours will be 8am-11pm seven days a week.

The plans come as the hospitality sector faces challenges as the UK adapts to a “new normal” under the coronavirus pandemic, with businesses adapting and diversifying their services.

The Goverment has brought in measures to help, including a temporary VAT cut to 5% on the hospitality sector and a new Eat Out to Help Out 50% discount scheme for food and non-alcholic drinks to which businesses can sign up.

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