CONTROVERSIAL plans to extend a seafront café in Christchurch are set to be approved despite 100 residents objecting to the scheme.

The proposals for a first floor extension from the Avon Beach Café/Noisy Lobster at Mudeford go before Christchurch Borough Council’s planning committee this evening.

Two previous applications for larger development schemes in recent years have been knocked back.

The first of these was withdrawn in early 2016, while a revised scheme was refused by the committee and dismissed on appeal.

Despite failing to match the 131 objections to the rejected scheme, the latest proposals have faced strong opposition from residents.

A number of themes emerged from the 100 letters of objection, including overdevelopment, loss of privacy, increased noise disruption and the plans being out of character at the beach front.

One single letter of support for the scheme says the Noisy Lobster has made it more enjoyable to go down to the beach.

In addition to the number of objections, the proposal has been referred at the request of Mudeford and Friars Cliff ward councillor Paul Hilliard.

The planning officer’s report to committee members says the “significant” local objections, along with the planning inspector’s comments dismissing the previous scheme, were considered in coming to recommending approval of the scheme based on planning policies.

The report adds: "Owing to the reduced scale of the extension, it will not result in material harm to the public vista which was identified as being of particular importance by the Planning Inspectorate.

"The economic benefits of the proposal in terms of business and employment weigh in favour of the proposals and the intensified use of the restaurant can be accommodated by surrounding public car parks."

If approved the scheme will increase the eatery's capacity by 36 covers through converting a staff flat and enlarging the first floor of the building.

A statement submitted by the applicants says: "Avon Beach is a very popular recreational facility for residents of Christchurch and people visiting this part of the borough.

"These people tend to frequent the Avon Beach Café/`Noisy Lobster Restaurant` and it is the popularity of the café/restaurant and unique landscaped setting which has led to an increasing demand for further seats (covers) and a part of the premises where private parties can have exclusive use of a private room."