A RAFT of extensions, alterations and glazing at the Boathouse restaurant on Christchurch Quay has been allowed on appeal by a government planning inspector.

Following a two-day public inquiry last month, appeals inspector David Prentis overturned Christchurch council's refusal to give planning permission for the remodelling of the Quay Road premises.

The proposals, including a new entrance pergola, a glazed roof over the restaurant patio and a glass-fronted first floor function room, had been rejected by town hall officers as out of keeping with the greenbelt and conservation area location in the shadow of Christchurch Priory.

And neighbouring residents objected that the restaurant extension would bring added noise, traffic and parking problems to the area.

But in his decision letter Mr Prentis ruled that while the extensions would impinge on views of the Priory from the quayside open space, it would improve the appearance of the Boathouse building and thus enhance the conservation area.

He also said the scale of the extensions would not increase the capacity of the premises and noise could be controlled by conditions imposed as part of the planning consent.

The decision was welcomed by solicitor Lionel Fynn, who represented Boathouse operator Macemade Ltd at the appeal hearing.

He said: "At last the long struggle is over and justice has been done. The Boathouse can now emerge from a series of enforcement actions and prosecutions by its council landlords and provide a building with a newly designed exterior by one of Christchurch's best architects, the late Gordon Robbins.

"No longer will customers have to dodge the wind and rain showers on the terrace, but can instead enjoy the magnificent vistas which will be available through the protected glass of the new permanent first floor addition."

Borough chief planning officer David Jobbins said he was disappointed with the inspector's decision, which he said seemed to conflict with previous appeal results where glazed windbreak screens and canvas awnings over the Boathouse patio had been turned down.

"In this case the inspector agreed there would be an impact on the views of the Priory, but not enough to warrant refusal, and imposed strict conditions on noise levels which we will be seeking to enforce quite closely," he said.