CONTROVERSIAL plans to allow a seafront café and restaurant in Mudeford to be able to open its windows have been approved, despite more than 60 objections from residents.

Concerns were raised that overturning an earlier condition forcing Noisy Lobster to fix all first-floor windows shut would increase noise from the building.

Despite this, Christchurch council’s planning committee narrowly agreed to support the application, following a recommendation from officers.

The condition was put in place when councillors approved plans for the restaurant’s expansion in February as a way of limiting noise issues for residents.

However, following the decision, an application was submitted to remove it with restaurant owner Peter Hayward saying that “the fresh Mudeford air” was good for staff and diners.

Speaking at Thursday’s committee meeting, he said: “Our existing restaurant has all windows open during the warmer months and people sat on the outside terrace.

“We’ve upgraded the windows and doors on the ground floor providing much-needed double-glazing throughout.

“To our knowledge, environmental health has no concerns with noise generated by diners for the past five years.

“The fresh Mudeford air is good for staff, diners and the atmosphere in the restaurant.”

But more than 60 objections were lodged to the application with concerns also raised by some councillors about the impact noise would have.

Resident Colin Seager: “The removal of condition four would contradict and make nonsense of the approval of the proposed development. 

“It is our opinion that without that condition the application would not have been approved.

“It is totally reasonable to seek to ensure that noise levels are curtailed.”

Cllr Paul Hilliard said: “Condition four was specifically referenced and expanded upon at the February planning committee when the chairman was summing up prior to the approval of the application.

“It was fundamental in the marginal four-to-three approval of the application, why else would it have been individually referenced?

“Allowing the windows on the first floor to be open when serving customers throughout the day and night will materially impact the amenities of residents and users of the beach.”

However, a proposal by Cllr Clare Bath approving the removal of the condition was again narrowly supported by the committee.

Cllr Bath said: “The residents have put across some very strong views and I know there have been a lot of very strong feelings about the amount of development on the site and I can absolutely understand their concerns about the noise levels.

“As much as I would like to support the residents’ views, I believe that the professional advice that we have been given is something that we have to adhere to, otherwise why have them?

“Two professionals are saying the same thing and I believe that we have to take that into account with our decision-making.”