CONTROVERSIAL plans to extend a seaside cafe in Christchurch have been given the green light despite more than 100 objections from residents.

The application to carry out a first floor extension at the Avon Beach Cafe/Noisy Lobster was granted by Christchurch Borough Council’s planning committee this evening.

There was a significant public outcry against the scheme with 100 responses objecting to the latest attempted development at the site.

Friars Cliff and Mudeford ward councillor Paul Hilliard also objected to the plans and shared his concerns at the meeting.

However, a slim majority of committee members approved the scheme after an initial motion to refuse from Cllr David Jones came up short.

A number of residents at the meeting left in a raucous manner after the refusal proposal was outvoted.

Following further discussions, Cllr Lisle Smith, chair for the meeting, proposed approval of the scheme which was passed by the narrow margin of four votes to three.

“I don’t think this scheme causes additional harm,” Cllr Smith said.

The cafe/restaurant operators are now permitted to carry out the extension alongside a number of internal alterations, which will provide an additional 36 covers.