A RESTAURANT has tabled plans to retain a caravan offering a takeaway service in the outdoor space of its premises.

The Boathouse at Christchurch Quay installed the mobile outdoor serving facility in March last year as a replacement from the kiosk that was on the site from the start of the Covid pandemic.

The caravan is described as an “interesting and attractive” addition to the existing offering from the Quay Road restaurant.

The venue has submitted a retrospective planning application to BCP Council.

A statement as part of this application by Chapman Lily Planning Ltd said: “It is common knowledge that food and drink establishments have suffered due to the lockdown associated with the Covid pandemic.

“Whilst those restrictions are lifting, the sector is still in recovery.

“It is likely that as we live with Covid for many years, some customers will still be wary of indoor seating.

“The unit supports recovery of this important business and employer, and also offers the public an opportunity to serve the needs of customers who do not wish to avail themselves at that time to the indoor seated element of the restaurant.”

The statement said the caravan catering unit is to be seen in association with the established hospitality use of the Boathouse site.

It added that the venue is an “important component” of the leisure offer in its part of the town centre and next to the Quomps open space.

“The unit will enhance that offer and should therefore be seen as a positive addition to the function of the site and the contribution that it makes towards the town centre function in that context,” the statement said.

The application is currently being considered by BCP Council’s planning department.

Residents and other interested parties have until May 14 to comment on the proposal through the local authority’s online planning portal.