Bournemouth beach restaurant under fire for 'loud music'

West Beach on Bournemouth beach was criticised for the music it plays from the bar during the summer months. 

Steve Bartlett, Redhill councillor, told a planning committee he objected to the “loss of public open space for commercial reasons”. 

“The space in the summer that is lost is large and is in one of the busiest areas of the beach,” he said. 

“Also, there is an impact on the loss of views. Public amenity is lost. When you walk along the promenade, you can’t see the pier at times. It's intrusive. 

“The second point is the noise – it really does get to me.  

“The large speakers they put on top of the bar area blasts out deep ‘boom, boom, boom’ music. If you don't like that sort of music, you have to put up with it because it’s there all the time. 

“There is a lack of conformant of previous conditions. If you go there today, you’ll see the tables and chairs on the decking are still there and haven’t been moved.” 

He accused West Beach of having a “theme where ‘you do what you like’”. 

Steve Bartlett (Image: Daily Echo)

Peter Burridge, senior planning officer at BCP Council, said there have been no complaints to Environmental Health made about the noise. 

He added that the committee can add a condition to the planning application that would help mitigate problems around noise. 

Mr Burridge said: “There is higher screening at the back of house, but we could bear in mind and achieve an acceptable level of screening that characterises the beach as much as possible.” 

Committee member Michael Tarling said the “loss of amenity is outweighed by the benefits that we offer as a tourist destination”. 

He said: “I do hear what is being said, and noise management plan might be something we wish to consider. It may fall into the licensing part of the council. 

“My experience on being on this part of the beach is we offer a wide range of experiences. We have such a long part of beach, whereby those who want to sit close to each other by Bournemouth pier can do.” 

Matt Annen, consultant at agent Pure Town Planning, said West Beach has applied to stay on the beach for another two summers. 

“It has been in this location 24 years and it has agreed a new 25-year lease with the council’s licensing department which commences in June 2025,” he added. 

“As well as the ground rent the council receives from the facility, this restaurant employs 60 to 70 full-time and part-time staff and supports many other suppliers and related businesses.” 

Planning permission was unanimously approved for the restaurant to remain for two years.