Rockwater plans at Sandbanks and Branksome updated

As reported, entrepreneur Luke Davis intends to turn restaurants and kiosks at Sandbanks and Branksome Chine into a Rockwater Village, modelled on the successful Rockwater operation he runs in Hove.

Neither planning application has been approved, however work has already begun at the former Branksome Chine Beach Shop with the implementation of Rockwater signage as well as interior work.

Plans would also see the existing 1930s Branksome Chine Café “respectfully revitalise[d]” by developers with only “minimal changes” to the external frontage.

Early building work has started on the Rockwater Village plans for Branksome Chine at the old beach shop

While locally listed as a heritage asset, a recent attempt to have Historic England designate the café as a protected listed building failed. In its report, Historic England said: “Although possessing some claims to interest, the former solarium at Branksome Chine does not meet the criteria for listing.

“However, it is important within the wider social history of public seaside architecture as a good surviving example of the building type.”

• Read more: Rockwater plans for Sandbanks and Branksome submitted
• Read more: The stringent alcohol measures Rockwater must adhere to

Further applications for each site lobbied last month have also detailed plans to erect temporary and removable decking areas on the beach opposite the proposed sites – two at Sandbanks and one at Branksome.

Proposed style of decking for both sites

It is understood the decking has been delivered to both Branksome and Sandbanks sites but has yet to be erected.

The Branksome application was due to be determined on April 1 but, four months after the £8.7million plans were officially submitted, it is understood the decision to approve or reject the proposals will be decided at planning committee due to the number of objections.

A rough date of July or August, or possibly later, has been given by the planning officer.

Despite mostly following the same model, the Sandbanks proposal has not been met with nearly as much objection. Plans would see internal and external alterations to the existing Sandbanks Beach Café and some surrounding kiosks.

CGI of the planned Rockwater Village in Sandbanks

One resident said she fully supported the “investment to upgrade the tired, uninspiring and canteen style existing café”.

In addition, a BCP Council conservation officer offered “no objection in principle” to the Sandbanks site. However, a fellow officer was less favourable to the Branksome plans – which were described as “of unsympathetic design” in an April report.

All applications relating to the site are still open for comment on BCP Council’s online planning portal.

The Daily Echo approached Rockwater to comment.