Plans for restaurant and lodges in Southbourne approved

An application was submitted to construct a new three-storey building featuring a restaurant and kiosk on the ground floor and 17 overnight lodges on the second floor. 

The new restaurant would have 140 internal and 40 external covers along with the kiosk for takeaway, whilst the lodges will be spread across the first and second floors, with 14 standard, one accessible and two premium lodges. 

Image by BCP Council

A laundry store and a cycle shelter in six spaces of the Warren Edge car park were also granted, with the 17 spaces currently in public use, to be reserved for the guests of the lodges. 

Councillors approved the application for the £7million scheme at a meeting this week, with one objection from Cllr George Farquhar. 

Cllr Farquhar objected to the plans because a disabled parking space was not considered within the plan, and he raised concerns on the accessibility for wheelchair users in the premium lodges. 

Read more: Bistro on the Beach site redevelopment plan set for decision

It was recommended by chairman of the meeting Cllr David Kelsey a disabled space should be considered in the future. 

Andrew Emery, BCP destination development strategy manager, supported the proposals, saying: “This development is about trying to maximise the council’s assets, to drive year-round tourism and we project that guests will be enjoying these throughout the year.  

Cllr Bob Lawton welcomed the design, saying: “I think it is a fantastic development for the area.  

Read more: First look inside Southbourne's new pop-up restaurant

The site is currently home to a pop-up restaurant SOBO Beach

“Having used the Bistro on the Beach for a number of occasions before, it looked a bit tired, suffered from a lack of toilet facilities.  

“It was suffering from concrete cancer.” 

Cllr Tony O’Neill said: “I’m pleased that we are segmenting our coastline into different target markets – it's long overdue. To me this is trading up in an appropriate area.” 

Vice chair Cllr Toby Johnson, supporting the plans, said: “It’s modern enough that it looks forward thinking, but not so garish that it might become incredibly dated in 20 years' time.  

Bistro on the Beach traded for more than a decade

Previously the site was home to the Bistro on the Beach restaurant until it was demolished earlier this year. 

A temporary pop-up restaurant, called SOBO Beach, is currently trading at the site.