Plans for a replacement café at Mudeford approved by BCP Council after fire destroyed original building in 2018

PLANS to replace a Mudeford seaside café destroyed by fire four years ago have been approved by BCP Council after the first design was dumped amid a backlash from beach hut owners.

The Beach House Cafe has been operating temporarily from a series of converted shipping containers and food vans, following the devastating blaze in November 2018.

The latest application for a single-storey building was approved at a meeting of BCP Council's planning committee – despite receiving 96 letters of objection.

It fared better than the first set of plans for a larger, more modern building which were withdrawn in 2020 after angry objections about its size.

Applicant Kim Slater, who has run the café for two decades, told the meeting the new design was better as it enabled customers to queue inside, thus reducing noise.

He added: "It gives us a improved chance for insulating and sound proofing and is greener in general.

"We worked very closely with our architect to try and come up with a design which incorporated all the objections as best we could.

"We've balanced our offering to give the best run for the business but look out for our neighbours at the same time."

The application received 51 letters of support.

But objectors maintained the building was still too large, would increase in footfall and overshadow the nearby beach huts.

They also raised concerns about additional noise and litter.

Those supporting the plans said the scheme was an appealing design and would provide enhanced facilities.

Cllr Tony O'Neil said: "There has been a busy and successful café at the site for many years and I think the rebuild is long overdue."

Cllr Malcolm Davies added he was really pleased to see the building had been designed to look like a beach hut.

He added: "We always talk about the street scene – perhaps this is the beach scene. I think it sits in very well with the surroundings."

Members voted 13 to one in favour of the application.

The committee also agreed to grant retrospective permission for the retention of the four shipping containers housing the temporary café while the new premises is built.