Mixed reactions as revised plan are lodged with Fylde Council to build new kiosk at Granny' Bay in Lytham St Annes

The new, modern hybrid-kiosk would be considerably larger than the existing one, spacious enough to accommodate seating for hot drinks, allowing visitors to stop and admire the coastal views across Lytham’s coast in comfort.

Although some have welcomed the proposals as being a forward-thinking development for visitors and locals alike, others are not happy about the project, located close to Fairhaven Lake.

After the revised, full planning application was validated by Fylde Council on October 6, a formal objection was lodged by Lytham St Annes Civic Society, who have opposed the proposals since they were first mooted.

The public has until November 3 to comment on the application.

The applicants states that the existing kiosk is dated and in need of modernisation or replacement and is too small for current requirements.

What does the application entail?

The application includes the demolition of the existing ice cream kiosk and the erection of a new ice cream kiosk building for the production and sale of ice cream, and sale of food and drink, with covered seating area, hard landscaping and ground re-profiling works, and two parking spaces.

The new structure - which would incorporate a fully enclosable covered 25-seat terrace - to be built on the opposite site of the car park entrance to offer views of the estuary.

The revised application come more than two years after the proposal had gained the green light and funding when it went before full council on July 5 in 2021 when £360,000 to fund it was approved.

But last year Fylde Council admitted building costs were too high and it wouldn’t continue in its current concept.

What does the Civic Society say?

The Civic Society states: “Granny’s Bay is not a development site or an area requiring regeneration, it is an area of outstanding natural beauty and Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

"It is clear that this proposal would have a dramatic impact on the landscape and create a negative ‘landscape impact’.

"The existing kiosk seems adequate for the sunny days we get and the year round demand for ice cream, especially when considering the large cafe already at Fairhaven Lake very close by.

"If the existing kiosk needs more space for storage or the making of ice cream or gelato, it could simply be extended or rebuilt a little larger in the same location that doesn’t block views of the estuary and in the same traditional style.

"There are no shortage of places to go to eat and drink along the Fylde coast frontage including; the very nearby Fairhaven pub, the Queens, the Clifton Arms, Fairhaven café, beach terrace café, ocean café, the Grand Hotel, St Ives hotel and more.”

Residents of the apartments opposite the site have set up the Granny's Bay Action Group to oppose the scheme, on various grounds, including that the proposed sale of alcohol, along with food and entertainment would be "injurious to the area".

However, on social media sites, including the ‘Lytham and St Anne’ Facebook page, other residents have voiced support for the scheme, stating it would be good for the area, both for resident and visitors alike.

Why was the new kiosk proposed?

The application has been lodged by Fylde Council, who are leading the project and will take ownership of the new building, as the authority wanted a public amenity to match the multi-million coastal protection upgrade which has transformed the promenade and effectively linked Lytham to Fairhaven Lake.

The Dalmasso family, which has operated the kiosk for 45 years, would continue to run the business from the new hybrid-kiosk but would no longer own it.

When work began to upgrade the Fairhaven sea defences in 2017, discussions took place between the Delmassos and Fylde Council over how the existing kiosk would be affected by the raising of the car park.

What do the applicants say?

The application states: "The current ice cream kiosk business has been operating for over 44 years since 1978, however an operator has been based on the site since 1965.

"The business is extremely well established and much loved by locals and visitors alike.

"Prior to the coastal defence scheme works and the Stanner Bank car park reconfiguration, a lot of the kiosk’s trade came from locals and visitors driving to the site, stopping for a short period of time, buying an ice cream or a hot drink and then continuing on with their journey.

"Many of these customers would purchase their refreshments and then sit in their cars on the car park to enjoy the view over Granny’s Bay.

"The coastal defence works and reconfiguration of the car park, including new entrance barrier system, would change this.

"Visitors would no longer be able to stop for short periods free of charge, instead having to pay upon entering the car park.

“An opportunity was therefore seen to recreate the experience that customers had enjoyed.

“An extended, larger kiosk with covered seating area would allow customers to stop for a refreshment and enjoy views overlooking Granny’s Bay without the need to sit in their cars for shelter.

"This would also encourage visitors to stay for longer, use the new car park, explore the surrounding areas.”