BCP COUNCIL have withdrawn its existing plans for the site of the former Beach House Café at Mudeford Sandbank following a public consultation on the project.

The building was extensively damaged by fire in November 2018 and declared beyond repair.

However, scathing feedback from residents has halted the current plans, with half of respondents strongly oppose the proposed design.

In the feedback for the proposed plan, one resident said: “Increased visitor numbers will bring increased litter and will overstretch the limited infrastructure of the sandbank, especially the toilet facilities.

“Beach hut owners pay BCP council a sizeable sum each year to maintain the basic facilities that are currently available i.e. rubbish collection, toilets and showers.

“The level of these services is already barely acceptable during the summer months and will inevitably end up being shared by the added number of trippers and party goers who will visit the new café.”

Another local added: “I'm worried that a bigger site will increase the volume of commercial/service vehicle activity to and from the restaurant.

“This increase would pose a danger to young children who live in the area during the summer, many of whom roam 'free range'.”

Consultation on a replacement building ran between August 24 and October 5, 2020 and during this time, the council asked for views on a proposed design.

The council received 2,063 responses to the survey, with one-fifth of these being Hengistbury residents. Just under half were resident in the BCP Council area and 17 per cent of respondents were beach hut owners.

Over 1,000 of the respondents also felt the proposed design would have a negative impact on them.

Councillor Mohan Iyengar, Portfolio Holder for Tourism, Leisure and Culture said: “A solution needs to be found for the Beach House Café – something that fits the locality nicely and has support.

“I thank everyone who has given their views in the survey and in earlier discussions.

“We look forward to making substantive progress in the new year.”

As a consequence of this approach the existing planning application will be withdrawn in early January 2021.

The café in this location is a popular amenity for local people, visitors and those staying in beach huts and it was important to allow those potential customers to have a say in any replacement.

There will now be a reflection on all of the views expressed and this will shape a reinvigorated approach to be shared in the new year.

The summary of the consultation results can be viewed at: bcpcouncil.gov.uk/beachhouseconsultation.