AN MP has criticised the council’s decision to allow The Edge to be converted into flats.

Conor Burns, MP for Bournemouth West, dismissed claims made by council officers and the applicant, Carrington Trust, that the restaurant was no longer viable.

“I don’t think it is the place of local authority officers to determine what is commercially viable and what is not commercially viable,” said Mr Burns.

Mr Burns described the decision as “very disappointing news” and that the restaurant’s imminent closure would be a “loss to Alum Chine”.

He said the eatery was only struggling because of the way it is being managed currently and, that given the location, it “should be a goldmine”.

Mr Burns said the site possesses “stunning panoramic views” and that there “isn’t another place in Bournemouth like it”.

Licensing board chairman Cllr David Kelsey said that the report prepared by planning officers saying The Edge was not viable was made after they considered an independent assessment made by the district valuer.

Planning officer Charles Raven’s report on the restaurant said: “The district valuer was commissioned to independently assess the viability of providing holiday accommodation in one or both of the proposed residential units.

“The district valuer concluded that the scheme was not viable to provide any holiday accommodation and officers accept this professional assessment.”