A seaside bar has been granted planning permission to continue serving alcohol despite complaints from local residents.

Grandpa Dickie’s Shed in Roker, Sunderland, opened last year but was accused of operating outside of approved planning permission.

The application was resubmitted to Sunderland City Council but local residents objected, with one saying the plans would turn the area into a “weekend pub crawl”.

Adam Straughan, who runs the business with his wife, said Grandpa Dickie’s Shed needed to offer drinks because “just offering food is not enough on the seafront.”

“We are not a vertical bar and all our customers are seated,” he said.

“We employ bouncers when necessary to ensure that people disperse quietly and the area is well guarded.”

He added that the request was a small change that would ensure the company’s continued operation, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

“The area has deteriorated”

Marine Walk Restaurant is one of the largest bars in the Pier Point complex.

Some residents protested against the plans. One complained that the area along Marine Walk had become worse due to the opening of new bars.

Another said that by approving the plans, the city council would risk “legitimising the violent, noisy behaviour and deterioration of the area”.

However, the city council’s planning officers recommended approving the application.

Their report stated that there were no safety issues on the motorway and that Grandpa Dickie’s Shed had carried out an appropriate noise assessment.

It was added that the proposed use was “not atypical” of other businesses in the area.

Councillors unanimously approved the motion, but added restrictions on the bar’s opening hours and the use of its outdoor area.

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