STORM clouds have dissipated over a Poole Quay parasol after councillors overturned an officer’s recommendation and let it remain.

Custom House customers will be able to keep sheltering from the elements under the £8,500 parasol after Borough of Poole members voted unanimously.

Officers took exception when Mark Heffer, owner of the listed building café/restaurant, secured it by cutting a hole through paving, rather than have a stand and recommended refusing them permission.

“The committee unanimously approved the application following a visit to the site and having heard from several people, including the Poole Tourism Board and ward councillors, speaking in favour of the application,” said Cllr Phil Eades, chairman of the planning committee.

“We feel that a plain, unbranded parasol looks appropriate in the scene and is not detrimental to the appearance of the surrounding listed buildings to justify refusal.

“However it is important to emphasise that we have approved only this parasol and the Custom House cannot replace it, or add any advertisements to it, without submitting a further planning or advertisement application.”