A REPLICA pirate ship at a Christchurch play area will be allowed to stay in port, but the accompanying sea shanty music has been banned.

Retrospective planning permission was obtained from Christchurch Borough Council last month for the large structure at Snowtrax Outdoor Activity Centre, which was opened in May.

However, after complaints from residents a condition on the approval states the buccaneering music will not be allowed to continue. The wooden ship, which includes a spiral slide at the stern and access bridge, makes up part of the Alpine Adventure Park at Snowtrax on Matchams Lane.

A report produced by planning officer Richard Boyt says the vessel is mainly used during the warmer months of year.

Construction began on the ship back in August 2016 and the application was submitted the following March after a meeting with council officers.

The structure is 20 metres long, 5.5 metres wide and 6.5 metres high at its bow.

No objections to the large piece of children’s play equipment were made by Hurn Parish Council, Dorset Wildlife Trust, Christchurch Borough Council’s tree and landscaping department, Natural England or New Forest District Council. Two Matchams Lane residents raised their opposition to the scheme.

Carol Gibbons spoke out with her concerns for the music. “The planning for the construction and use of the pirate ship did not contain anything about the playing of repetitive sea shanty type music. This music is extremely intrusive and is audible in both the garden and the house particularly when the windows are open,” she said.

Mr Boyt acknowledged this view and highlighted it in his report, alongside confirmation that the ship was suitable to remain in its place in the Green Belt. He said: “The design, being made of wood, is neutral and inoffensive in its woodland setting and goes largely unnoticed outside of the ski centre. Some objections have been raised to the repetitive playing of amplified sea shanty music and this is considered unacceptable.”

In the approval, the condition says: “No amplified or other music shall be played, nor any public address system to be used, in or around the ship or the surrounding play area.” The reason listed for implementing the clause is to “safeguard the amenities of the occupiers of neighbouring residential properties”.