Design changes for Rockwater complex at Branksome beach

Construction is ongoing at Rockwater’s multi-million-pound transformation of the former Branksome Chine beach café following the project’s approval by BCP Council in January.

However, a recent application has been made to vary the approved premises licence to make alterations to the ground and first floors – namely extensions and a new retractable steel pergola roof.

Adaptations to the ground floor include a larger single storey extension to the original building’s south elevation and new external stairs to access the terraced area from the promenade.

Meanwhile, the first floor will see a retractable roof over the below extension, as well as a new balcony and fixed seating.

Branksome Chine beach café and restaurant before redevelopment. (Image: BNPS)

As a result of the adaptations, an increase in dining covers is predicted.

These changes have drawn concern from BCP Council’s environmental health team, who fear noise and public nuisance effects could occur if unchecked.

An environmental health officer wrote: “I am not satisfied that the operating schedule, as it stands, sufficiently covers the objective of prevention of public nuisance. Over the last few days I have been in discussion with the applicant and we are negotiating the provision of a noise management plan.

“Until this is provided and agreed please accept this representation as an objection to the application in its current form.”

Due to the objection, Rockwater’s application will go before BCP Council’s licensing sub-committee, which next meets on Wednesday, July 19, for determination.

Rockwater's Shacks by the Shore at Branksome Chine (Image: Newsquest)

The entrepreneur behind Rockwater, Luke Davis, has previously said the development at Branksome and its sister site in Sandbanks will be at the “heart of the local community”.

Hundreds of objections were lobbied against the Branksome development, while the redevelopment of the former Sandbanks café was generally welcomed by residents.

Mr Davis has already opened a Rockwater shack at Branksome, which he said helped “a shift in the mindset from fear that we were bringing some sort of Benidorm atmosphere to Branksome”.

Rockwater Branksome was scheduled to open in summer this year, while Sandbanks unlikely to open before next year. However, like Branksome, kiosks have opened in Sandbanks.

Total investment for both sites is estimated at more than £12.5m.