TUCKTON tea rooms will be doubled in size in a major extension if new plans are approved.

A previous bid to expand seating space at the popular café on the banks of the River Stour in Bournemouth was made in September last year, but was withdrawn before the year was out.

According to owners Bournemouth Boating Services, the new application is much the same as before but with a "reduced building footprint".

The planning statement says: "The existing café is fairly limited in size and together with the kitchen area internally has only a few tables for customers.

"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 plans would see an extension built with more seating at the front of the building, and new toilets and a bin store at the rear.

The extension has been reduced in size following advice from council planning officers.

"The proposal is simple and uncomplicated in its design making maximum use of the views out towards the gardens and river," the application says.

"The proposed extensions will be timber finished in order to appear unobtrusive and reflect the landscaped setting of the tea rooms."

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

Previous plans have attracted numerous letters of support from residents, and the new scheme already has one such missive.

A Mr Wishart of Branwell Close said: "I feel this would be a great benefit for the surrounding area and local tourist industry.

"I have lived in and around this area for many years and use this facility a lot through the summer months.

"I agree that the limited indoor seating and lack of toilet facilities is restrictive."

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