An increasingly popular restaurant could go from pop-up to permanent if planners give the green light to a change of use application.

Harriet Mansell, owner of Robin Wylde, which has operated out of The Pop-Up Kitchen in Broad Street, Lyme Regis, since it opened last year, has applied to Dorset Council for a change of use at 63 Silver Street from a shop to a restaurant.

Harriet has built up a reputation of foraged food and local ingredients and she says there was a gap in the market for the style she was offering, a tasting menu of around eight courses, so decided to test the idea four nights a week at The Pop-Up Kitchen.

She said: “Within a short time of opening we were fully booked every evening and holding a waiting list.

“Last summer I was contacted by the BBC’s ‘The Great British Menu’ who, remarkably and still to my great surprise had heard about my venture and invited me to compete in their new series. I made it to the regional heats.

“It has made me more focused and determined than ever. I have been invited back to compete this year and the show producers would like to film the new restaurant to highlight the move from pop-up to permanent in Lyme Regis.

“The space was exactly what I had been looking for. I would love to be a permanent part of the Lyme Regis community and believe this is the perfect environment to continue and build on the success I have had with Robin Wylde.

“I will be launching a crowdfunding campaign to raise capital for this venture and to raise interest and profile at the same time.

“I am lodging this application of change of use with the hope and intention of gaining planning permission and to open Robin Wylde in late Spring 2020.”

The proposal will create three jobs for a sous chef and two front of house staff members, as well as opportunities for casual staff at peak times.

The maximum time the restaurant will be open will be from 12noon to 3.30pm and 6pm to 11pm, Tuesday to Sunday.

There will be no alterations to the shop front, other than to decorate, and some alterations to the interior.

Local residents of Silver Street were invited to an informal briefing at The Pop-Up Kitchen where residents could ask questions on the proposals.

The design and access statement said: “Through her successful operation as Robin Wylde at The Pop-Up Kitchen, the applicant has demonstrated that there is a demand for her style of food. The time spent there has created a buzz about the business, its distinctive and locally sourced food and its creator.

“There is much support amongst the local population who have returned time and again.

“The restaurant is committed to supporting the local economy and creating employment opportunities, particularly for the local young people keen to make a start in a high-quality catering establishment. There is no doubt that this will be successful if given a chance to thrive in its own premises.

“The proposal is for a quiet, considered dining experience which will have little impact on the neighbourhood. The local residents consulted are supportive.”