Council refuse expansion plans at Christchurch Boathouse

Owners of the Boathouse in Christchurch are “perplexed” at the reasons BCP Council gave for refusing their planning application.

A scheme had been submitted to expand the existing marquee area, creating an additional floor area of around 63 square metres outside to introduce more seating.

The application, submitted in October, was refused by BCP Council planning officers.

A spokesperson for the Boathouse said: “Obviously we're disappointed with the result, especially as we were only applying for temporary permission to give us time to submit plans for something more sympathetic to the surroundings.

“Since Covid we have seen an increased demand for more flexible indoor/outdoor seating and the marquees allowed for this.

“As a small business in the current market times can be challenging enough, without hurdles being placed in our way unnecessarily.”

The proposed extensions (shown in a block plan) were refused by BCP Council (Image: DMW Architects)

In refusing the application, BCP Council said the proposal would amount to “inappropriate development in the greenbelt” and would be a “uncharacteristic and visually intrusive addition which would harm the character and appearance” of the area.

Planning officers also said that “insufficient information” had been submitted by the applicant to demonstrate that the flood risk would not increase as a result of the proposal and what options would be taken to reduce overall flood risk.

The spokesperson for the Boathouse added: “We're a little perplexed at the reasoning behind a marquee having any effect on flood risk.

“We don't believe a temporary structure has any ongoing impact on the long-term visual impact of the area, but does allow for guaranteed protection against the elements allowing us to offer use of the area all year round, creating employment and catering for the local population.

“We shall appeal the decision in due course and hope for more luck, and a reasoned response.”

Councillor Millie Earl, deputy leader and portfolio holder for connected communities at BCP, said: “The planning application by the Boathouse in Christchurch to extend their outdoor marquee was refused for several reasons.

“Insufficient information was submitted to demonstrate that the risk of flooding would not increase because of the proposed development. There was also a lack of detail around mitigation proposed to reduce overall flood risk.

“In addition, the proposed extensions, by reason of their siting, scale and design, would result in an uncharacteristic and visually intrusive addition which would harm the character and appearance of the Christchurch Central Conservation Area.

“The proposed development was also considered to have an adverse impact upon the openness of the Green Belt in spatial and visual terms.”