Popular Fife restaurant and guesthouse reveals ambitious expansion plan
The Ship Inn, Elie wants to build a two-story extension which will offer more bedrooms, and expand its existing kitchen.
The work in the heart of a conservation area of the East Neuk town will need the permission of Fife Council to go ahead.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdA planning application submitted this week revealed the extent of the project which comes at a hugely challenging time for the Fife hospitality trade as it battles to operate under newly introduced level three COVID restrictions.
Owners, Graham and Rachel Bucknall, want to demolish part of the rear building of the popular venue to make full use of the garden space.
It would increase the number of bedrooms from six to ten double rooms to allow the Ship Inn to “build on its sustained success and fulfil the demand for tourist accommodation in the area.”
Making use of the garden space is integral to the owners’ ambitious plans.
Documents lodged with their planning application said: “From a business aspect, the existing garden space is somewhat underused since there lacks a natural and convenient link for guests to access it.
“ With our re-configuration and extension, five bedrooms – four new and one re-designed – will each feature an individual access to an attractive 'shared' garden terrace and decking area for enhanced leisure. “
The rooms would be done to the same standard as the inn’s existing accommodation.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdThe proposed expanded premises will also allow the owners to re-configure space to allow it to be used more efficiently.