TUCKTON tea rooms could be set for a major expansion with plans submitted to Bournemouth council.

The popular venue on the banks of the River Stour currently consists of a detached timber building, with limited inside seating.

But under the proposed scheme from owners Bournemouth Boating Services, the tea rooms could be extended by almost double to provide more seating to the front and rear, with views over the gardens and river.

A design and access statement included as part of the proposal says: “The café relies on outside space for the majority of its customer space, which means that custom is limited during inclement weather when the inside tables are full.”

The site is in the Green Belt and also falls within the Wick Village Conservation Area.

The new seating areas would be single storey in height and timber finished “to appear unobtrusive and reflect the landscaped setting of the tea rooms”, the statement says.

In discussions with the applicant before the scheme was formally submitted, planning officers raised concerns about the size of the extension on the area.

As a result the proposal was reduced in size and scale.

The toilets are now part of the existing structure, as opposed to a ‘bolt on side extension.’

The seating area is also smaller than originally intended.

The statement from the applicant adds: “The café is the only such facility in the gardens and as such performs an important function being a key part of their offer.

“It is considered that its retention and improvement should be encouraged.”

A consultation earlier this year showed 64 per cent of respondents wanted to see an extension to the café.

The extension has been limited to the minimum necessary to make it financially viable to build.

Bournemouth Echo:

There are already a number of comments in full support of the application.

One says: “The Tuckton Tea Gardens and Boating Services have been a mainstay within the area for many years giving great pleasure to not only locals, but visitors to the area.

“The business is family run meaning that they tend to go that extra mile to accommodate patrons' needs.

“The idea of this planning applications is wonderful and should increase the smooth delivery of quality beverages to its customers, within a more up to date and comfortable building, which I am sure will accommodate the disabled.”