THE owner of the Red Rocks beach cafe at Goodrington has a real responsibility now.

Adam Nunn has been given permission to go ahead with his plans to expand the activities at the cafe, to include later licensing, music and even film shows.

Councillors gave him the green light to proceed despite some strong objections from nearby residents, who fear late-night noise and disturbance.

The decision is to be applauded as a piece of forward-thinking, but it must be monitored closely.

The Youngs Park area of Goodrington is a largely undiscovered gem from a tourism point of view.

It also has enormous potential to cater for a certain kind of tourist, the kind that shuns the brightest lights and the loudest noises, but still seeks entertainment and good service.

The peace and tranquility of the park is a large part of its appeal, and Mr Nunn will now have to prove to the doubters that he can make a success of the Red Rock without compromising the very attraction of the location itself.

He has already invited the protesters to go along and meet him, and it is to be hoped that they will take him up on it.

The council has taken a bold step in allowing this application.

It is up to Mr Nunn now to show that they haven't made a mistake, and his bold plans for Youngs Park can be realised without a breach of the peace.

Elsewhere, plans for another development in a sensitive area are having a rather rougher ride.

Today the Herald Express publishes the first detailed pictures of how the controversial fish restaurant on Babbacombe Downs might look.

Restaurateur Nigel Bloxham showed the artist's impressions and 3D model to members of the Torquay Chamber of Commerce, and said he had been surprised by the degree of opposition to the proposals.

In fact, the response from some of the chamber members was a little lukewarm, too. Mr Bloxham was told by some that his restaurant was a great idea, in the wrong place.

There may be a long way to go before the first fish fillet is served, but the door should not be shut just yet.