The neighbours of a seafood company in Scarborough have said ‘strong fish smells’ are impacting their quality of life and that plans for retrospective use of the site should be rejected.

Taste of the Sea has applied for retrospective planning permission for its existing operations at its premises at Ridings House, Depot Lane.

However, residents have urged the council to block the plans because of “persistent” odours and noise.

The proposal would change the authorised use of the site for commercial and industrial purposes, including the use of a six metre long storage container.

placeholder image — Taste Of The Sea in Scarborough

A neighbour, Malcolm Paxton, said: “The business has been operating for over a year, during which time I have experienced significant and ongoing disturbance affecting my home and quality of life.

“The industrial cooking equipment generates extremely intrusive noise, resembling a helicopter hovering overhead.”

He added: “Strong fish smells and unpleasant odours from the business affect the surrounding residential area and prevent residents from comfortably opening windows and enjoying fresh air.”

The unit at Unit 2, Ridings House near Seamer Road, has a floorspace of approximately 300 square metres and employs four full-time staff.

Submitted plans state there would be no changes to vehicle access arrangements and no new parking provision is proposed. The site has 11 parking spaces.

Stuart Lincoln, who works nearby, raised concerns regarding Taste of the Sea’s “use of an industrial boiler and crab cooker”.

“When the boiler is running it vibrates the whole building and the noise level causes our staff headaches and earaches,” he said in a letter to the council.

At a meeting of Scarborough Town Council’s planning committee on Thursday (Oct 22), members supported Taste of the Sea’s plans while acknowledging concerns raised by nearby residents and called for monitoring of the site if plans are approved.

Coun Sarah Mason said she was keen to support local businesses but questioned whether complaints from residents had been formally investigated by North Yorkshire Council

Coun William Stuart said he was “a bit conflicted” because he could see both sides of the argument. While noting objections, he highlighted the firm’s importance to the local economy and fishing industry.

He said: “We want to support local businesses,” adding: “Our objective should be to find a solution that would allow the business to operate whilst protecting the amenity of the neighbouring residents.”

Naomi Aikamhenze claimed residents in the surrounding area are “already subjected to a persistent, overpowering smell of fish on a daily basis”.

“The odour is often strong enough to permeate homes, communal areas, and outdoor spaces, making it unpleasant to open windows, spend time outside, or enjoy our properties as normal.”

She urged the council to either refuse permission or set requirements for “robust, enforceable odour management solutions”.

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