Mark Hix admits defeat in battle to save outdoor seating area

Local councillors have ordered Mark Hix to remove the outdoor deck area set up at his restaurant by Friday (31 March).

The chef had invested over £20,000 into the wooden structure at the Oyster and Fish House in Lyme Regis during the pandemic.

He had to reapply for permission once that expired, but was told by Lyme Regis Town councillors that plans for a new one will be turned down.

He has been battling with the council since last December.

Hix posted on Instagram today (27 March): “It’s a sad day. Thank you Lyme Regis Town Councillors for your total lack of support. Our deck will be gone by Friday as requested. We fought the battle to the very end, but sadly lost. We shall soldier on at @theoysterandfishhouse regardless.

“Huge thanks to @castlewoodwines and other friends who have been so kind to come and volunteer to take the deck down and put it back to the piece of grass that was never used. Also huge thanks to all the people who have got behind us in so many ways to try to keep our deck. It will be a very different spring and summer this year, but what can you do?”

It comes after Sam Harrison was forced to remove an outdoor terrace by Sam’s Riverside restaurant in London’s Hammersmith last November after the council refused to grant full planning permission.