BCP Council (Poole Area): Matt Annen is delighted to confirm that planning permission has been granted for the extension and modernisation of two beachfront cafes in Poole for Rockwater.
Each proposal faced a number of differing planning hurdles which we had to overcome. The Sandbanks site is in close proximity to a Site of Nature Conservation Interest (SNCI) which is recognised as an important habitat for rare reptiles as well as scarce annual plant species. Branksome Chine Cafe is situated within a conservation area and is a Locally Listed Building. However, they both shared one common goal – enhancing the Council’s tourism offer which is a key strategic objective for the area as a whole given that both sites are located adjacent to award-winning Blue Flag beaches and tourism is incredibly important to the wider BCP economy.
To reinforce this the BCP Destination and Culture Services, commented the following on the Sandbanks application: “The proposal features a new pergola, new patio area and a new outdoor deck which
will support animation of the seafront and encourage footfall. The newly designed café will be a positive asset to the destination and tourism offer and Tourism would therefore have no objections to this application”.
Building works are underway on Branksome Chine cafe and construction is due to start in the next month or so on the Sandbanks cafe site. We look forward to visiting both in the future.
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