Falmouth Castle Beach Café application for new seating area

Emily Davidson of Castle Beach Café has submitted a planning application for a new seating area, made of a converted shipping container that will be roughly the same size as its current seating area.

Cafe owner Emily Davidson wants to build a stronger seating area after the storms in April wrecked the current one (Image: Paul Armstrong)

Emily says the reason for doing it is that she doesn’t want a repeat of the storm damage she had in April and she needs a long term solution to future-proof the business from climate change associated storms.

“It’s difficult to keep the current seating area looking presentable - we often find the remnants of a party or barbeque, and the paintwork needs to be sanded and treated at least once a year. Not to mention the seaweed!,” she said in a post on Facebook.

She said the café will continue to operate as a takeaway, and will still have its outdoor picnic tables on the other side of the café.

A plan of how the new seating area could look (Image: Castle Beach Cafe/Facebook)

“I will be able to open during poorer weather with the attraction of sheltered seating. Plus, I get to decorate the space with fairy lights.

“In good weather, the sliding doors will be left open for fresh air. They will be made of durable glass to prevent damage from wave-strewn rocks, with shutters at night.

“I can offer my staff shifts for longer in the year - at the moment, many of them find alternative employment during the winter.

“Your opinions Please!”

She says she is still not 100% decided if she will go ahead, it even if she’s granted the planning permission.

She says she largely wants to listen to her customers and maintain the family-friendly, homely vibe that she currently offers.

“So please, leave your thoughts (good/bad) or questions in the comments,” she said.

So far the post has attracted over 180 comments with the majority in support of the application.

One example was Dawn H Parker who said: “Sounds a great idea Emily! We get to visit for a larger portion of the year but most importantly you create more working hours for your team.

“I would argue precedent is set for using a container already and it will be fabulous advantage on wet & grey days. Let's hope it gets approved.”