East Devon District Council’s sale of Drill Hall to Rockfish can now be concluded

Rockfish’s planning application for the redundant Drill Hall building on Sidmouth seafront was approved by the Local Planning Authority’s Development Management Committee (DMC) at a meeting on Tuesday 4 February 2020.

The legal agreement for the sale of the property to Rockfish, which was conditional upon Rockfish securing planning permission, can now be concluded and Rockfish will now take on the building from the council

As landowner of the former Drill Hall, East Devon District Council has been working closely with Rockfish who are its preferred developer for the site, since March 2019, when the sale was agreed, following a meeting of Cabinet.

Rockfish submitted a planning application in August 2019. 

Rockfish will now carry out the refurbishment of the old Drill Hall building to convert it into another of their high quality and popular restaurants.

The refurbishment of this well-known site will be a great addition for Sidmouth residents and visitors alike and will benefit the town’s seafront.

Cllr Geoff Pook, East Devon District Council’s portfolio holder for asset management:

I am delighted that Rockfish have been granted planning permission for the Drill Hall site in Sidmouth. The Drill Hall has been empty for some years now and the opening of a new Rockfish restaurant on this site will be an excellent addition to Sidmouth seafront, bringing new visitors to the town and creating new jobs.

Sidmouth Town ward member Cllr Cathy Gardner, said:

I'm delighted that the old Drill Hall is finally going to get a new lease of life. This restaurant will greatly improve Port Royal and I know many residents are keen to see it open as soon as possible.