PLANS to replace a snack bar at a Poole beauty spot with a modified shipping container to operate as a catering facility have been given the green light.

BCP Council's proposal for the facility at Baiter Recreation Ground was granted under delegated powers by its own planning department.

The local authority tabled plans to replace the existing 'mobile catering unit' with the shipping container to provide services to park visitors for a temporary period of three years from March 1.

However, it is yet to complete a tender process for an operator, with no plan to introduce the new facility until next year.

Read more: Baiter snack bar is latest business to lose council contract

A planning, design and access statement said the existing unit was clad with timber to make it look more "aesthetically pleasing and permanent", having not moved for 17 years.

"Permission for a container will make the tender for a new contract more appealing to a wider market, and address concerns operators may have over access and security," the statement said.

"A permanent unit would reduce movement on and off the site and minimise the risk of access by unauthorised encampments."

Nigel Milham has operated the kiosk for 18 years, but the council is set to go out for tender on an operator for the new facility in autumn.

Read more: Baiter snack bar operator loses council contract to run kiosk

He told the Daily Echo in April last year he had been given notice to vacate by the end of the month ahead of a new operator coming in. However, the local authority changed tack and said he could continue to trade at the site until next year.

A BCP Council said spokesperson said Mr Milham's licence now expires on February 28, 2023, with the local authority intending to offer a new licence for the revamped facility from March 1 next year.

The design and style of the modified shipping container has not yet been agreed.

This will ensure traders from either a mobile catering unit or a semi-permanent facility, can submit bids for consideration, the spokesperson said.

Read more: Popular burger van must leave Poole park after 25 years as council say 'rent went unpaid'

Councillor Mark Anderson, BCP Council portfolio holder for environment and place, said: “The council welcomes bids from everyone when the tender process starts in the autumn.

“It will be advertised to the market to allow interested catering providers to compete for the opportunity in an open and transparent way.

“Through a fair selection process, the council can ensure that the best offer made to them at that time is provided for park visitors.”

The new facility would have core operating hours from 10am to 4pm Monday to Sunday from April 1 and October 31 and just between 10am and 2pm Saturday and Sunday from November 1 to March 31, according to planning application documents.

A council planning officer approved the application earlier this month under delegated powers despite objections saying the shipping container would be "ugly" and "not in keeping with the area".

The officer's report said: "The proposal would bring social and economic benefits without resulting in harm."