Sunderland seafront pub Grannie Annie's plans balcony expansion to help with reopening when covid restrictions lift

A seafront pub has lodged plans to extend its outdoor balcony area for customers to help it bounce back after lockdown.
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An application has been submitted to Sunderland City Council for Grannie Annie’s Pub and Pantry, off Marine Walk in Roker.

This includes building a new side extension and extending the venue’s rear terrace to provide more space for patrons under Covid-19 social-distancing.

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Grannie Annie's at Marine Walk in Roker hopes extending its outdoor area will help the business with covid restrictions when it reopensGrannie Annie's at Marine Walk in Roker hopes extending its outdoor area will help the business with covid restrictions when it reopens
Grannie Annie's at Marine Walk in Roker hopes extending its outdoor area will help the business with covid restrictions when it reopens

The site earmarked for development at Grannie Annie’s currently houses a shipping container used for storage – but this would be removed if the plans are approved.

A planning statement also confirms the side extension would be used for storage while the terrace/balcony extension would be “for the external use of customers.”

The statement explains: “The materials to the new extension are to match the previous single-storey extension [to the rear] with the new walls to comprise of painted brickwork.

“Doors are to be PPC aluminium. The proposed side terrace is to be formed in new painted steel framework, and composite decking to the roof with new metal and glass balustrade to match existing as detailed in the previous approved planning approval.

Grannie Annie's, formerly The Smugglers, is one of Sunderland's most popular seafront pubsGrannie Annie's, formerly The Smugglers, is one of Sunderland's most popular seafront pubs
Grannie Annie's, formerly The Smugglers, is one of Sunderland's most popular seafront pubs
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“The new extension has [been] designed to be sympathetic […] in terms of scale and materials to match the existing previous extension and approved planning permission for the terrace.“

The building dates back to the 1970s and was known as The Smugglers before being taken over and re-branded by its current owners.

Plans for a balcony area to the rear of the building were previously approved in 2018.

As part of the new extension plans, works are proposed for steel columns to support the terrace alongside landscaping works.

A decision is expected on the plans by mid-AprilA decision is expected on the plans by mid-April
A decision is expected on the plans by mid-April

The planning statement adds: “With the current pandemic restricting internal social distancing the extension of the terrace is proposed to allow for better operational use and whilst maintaining customers in an attractive terrace enclosure.”

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Grannie Annie’s is currently closed in line with Government restrictions on the hospitality sector but is still running a ‘takeaway serving hatch’ on weekends.

According to the venue’s Facebook page, the takeaway service includes cakes and hot drinks, soft drinks, food, beach essentials and sweets only.

Sunderland City Council is expected to rule on the venue’s extension plans by mid-April.

For more information, visit https://online-applications.sunderland.gov.uk/online-applications and search planning ref 21/00326/FU4

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