A popular food hall in Seamer has applied to build an extension to meet year-round demand.

Wilson’s Food Hall in Seamer, near Scarborough, wants to construct a “modest” glass extension which would replace a currently “undefined outdoor seating area”.

The popular and well-rated establishment said that the extension aims to provide additional, “comfortable seating that can be used throughout the year, rather than only during favourable weather”.

“This would allow the business to trade consistently across all seasons, reducing its exposure to seasonal fluctuation and improving its long-term financial resilience.

Louise and Adrian Wilson with their two sons.

placeholder image — Louise and Adrian Wilson with their two sons.

“The additional capacity would enable Wilson’s Food Hall to meet existing demand that currently cannot be accommodated, safeguarding both the business itself and the local jobs it supports,” it added.

If plans are approved by North Yorkshire Council, the glass extension would protrude 3.2m from the front elevation and would be 7.3m wide.

The business’s outdoor seating hours were extended to 7.30am to 7pm, Monday to Sunday, earlier this year.

“Although the scheme was found acceptable, some initial concerns were raised regarding the impact on amenity by local representation and the council’s environmental health team.

The type of glass extension proposed by Wilson's Food Hall in Seamer. Courtesy of applicant.

"This proposed development would, in fact, reduce the impact on amenity by controlling the noise emissions,” the applicant said.

“The proposal is a modern intervention and would improve the overall appearance of the existing building.

"In regard to heritage, the application sits within the Seamer conservation area and as such, the proposal is considered to preserve, and to some extent, enhance the conservation area,” according to a planning statement submitted to the council.

It comes as the business is hoping to turn the Newby and Scalby Community Hall into Wilson’s Food & Community Hall.

However, the proposal has been met with objections from local residents who are concerned about a lack of consultation by the trustees of the current community hall, concerns which the Charity Commission was looking into.

North Yorkshire Council has not set a date for deciding on the proposed extension plans which are open to representations from members of the public.