Lobster Pot Café changes could impact environment
Natural England's objected to adding paving and glass screens.
Changes to the outside seating at the destination Lobster Pot Café at Portland Bill have been put on hold.
Concerns had been raised over the effect on the natural environment by adding paving and glass screens to an outside seating area.
Natural England, the Dorset Wildlife Trust and Portland Town Council had asked for further information about any possible effects in their submission on the planning application.
One Portland resident had also written to object: “If people want to sit out of the wind, they can sit inside the building – they have a choice…
“The whole point of Portland Bill for visitors is the weather conditions, the open grassland, the views and the (at present) low key development. Putting up a glazed fence will exclude people from the area around the cafe and is out of keeping with other structures in the area (simple beach huts). I worry also that it will set a precedent for beach hut owners to pave around their huts and put-up glazed screens against the wind.”
Natural England said in their statement to Dorset Council that, unless changed, the proposals could have “potential significant effects on the Isle of Portland Site of Special Scientific Interest.”
The Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site team in its response said that there is a quaternary raised beach just below the surface in the area and also asked for more information.
Portland Town Council had asked for a decision to be deferred for a full health and safety assessment of the site and to hear further from Natural England.
In the planning application to Dorset Council The Lobster Pot say the area would have glazed screening to protect guests from the weather. It also said the changes would reduce the chance of trips and falls for guests and staff, by replacing an uneven grassed area with paving.
The application also included low level roping, supported by stakes, to the south of the building.
A planning agent’s letter on behalf of the owner says the site is not within a Conservation area or Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and has no nearby neighbours.