Locals have their say over a restaurant conversion controver

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Readers have reacted after Cornwall Council approved the conversion of clifftop restaurant The View into a private home despite concerns it could harm the local economy, set a precedent, and lead to Airbnb use.

The former Rame Peninsula restaurant, praised as a "hidden gem," was approved under permitted development rights despite objections from St John and Maker with Rame parish councils.

Locals feared losing the popular venue overlooking Whitsand Bay near Millbrook. Planning officers told Labour councillor Kate Ewert that, as a prior approval application, only regulatory compliance could be considered, not planning policy or community concerns.

St John and Maker

Local resident Tonny Steenhagen said: "The current owners have been given permission to turn The View, now Vista, into a private dwelling despite planning policy explicitly restricting open market housing in the countryside. The objections, including from two parish councils, have counted for absolutely nothing. Clearly this is utter madness. It is very sad to see The View disappear so someone from outside can live there, part-time or full-time, turn it into an Airbnb, or sell it at a tidy profit. This is a very unwelcome local 'development' that undermines Whitsand Bay and social cohesion."

A judicial review is under consideration. St John Parish Council noted prior approvals were limited to restaurant use and warned converting businesses without proving unviability could set a harmful precedent. Maker with Rame Parish Council added the restaurant was previously successful, suggesting current losses may have been used to justify the change.

Cornwall Council said Class MA rules meant local housing policies did not apply and approval does not set a precedent. Laurence Associates, the architects, were contacted for comment.

Now people have had their say about the situation.

Parish Council

Commenter Fudge13 thinks: "Good thing it's got permission. So what if it's an AirBnB or holiday let? It just means more people will be able to enjoy the area and spend money in the local economy."

Michael B agrees: "Why not let it become a home? It's in a brilliant location with views to die for. Unfortunately as a restaurant it was way too expensive for the location, especially when the cliff top cafe just a little further down the road is a more realistic option and does brilliant cakes, light meals at excellent prices. I use it regularly whilst out cycling."

David D adds: "The restaurant might be a hidden gem, but if it's not making money, turning it into a home makes sense."

Caz S wonders: "How many of the people objecting have actually visited the restaurant in the last three years? It's easy to criticise something you haven't used, but if the restaurant can't operate profitably, it won't survive and could be left empty or derelict. Rather than blocking changes, perhaps the focus should be on finding ways to make it viable so it continues to serve the community instead of becoming another neglected building."

Council

Sara D agrees: "Surely a house will look better than a restaurant that can't stay open anymore? It will end up just becoming a dilapidated building with vandalism and graffiti on it. So what if it becomes an AirBnB? It will bring people into the area."

Tim B says: "Some caterers would jump at a chance at a place like that. It's a complete outrage! For many chefs and caterers, this would be a dream opportunity."

Russ G adds: "Everyone local knew this plan, but typical of the council to let them get away with this. That whole road will fall into the sea soon anyway and the homes will be worth nothing."

Malcolm C retorts: "We have lived in Plymouth since 2019 and it is clear that the venue was unviable as a restaurant. The venue has been closed and empty more often than not. Just because people want it to be a restaurant, doesn't mean that it is commercially viable."

What you need to know

Plymouth Live readers, what do you think about The View being turned into a private home? Do you agree with locals that this could harm the community and set a dangerous precedent, or do you think permitted development rules are being applied fairly? Share your thoughts below.

Good thing it's got permission. So what if it's an AirBnB or holiday let? It just means more people will be able to enjoy the area and spend money in the local economy.

Where this fits

Openings get the attention, but it is the second and third year that decide whether a restaurant becomes part of a city's routine.

What to remember

Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners
Readers have reacted after Cornwall Council approved the conversion of clifftop restaurant The View into a private home despite concerns it could harm the local economy, set a precedent
The former Rame Peninsula restaurant, praised as a "hidden gem," was approved under permitted development rights despite objections from St John and Maker with Rame parish councils
Local resident Tonny Steenhagen said: "The current owners have been given permission to turn The View, now Vista, into a private dwelling despite planning policy explicitly restricting open market housing in the countryside
People have had their say about the situation

What people ask

What should you know about Council?

Why does it matter?

Just because people want it to be a restaurant, doesn't mean that it is commercially viable.".

What happens next?

Rather than blocking changes, perhaps the focus should be on finding ways to make it viable so it continues to serve the community instead of becoming another neglected building.".

The bottom line

None of this settles the wider question. It does make one thing harder to ignore: the pressure in the dining room has shifted, and others will have to respond to it.