Agenda item

Retain canopies and associated works to frontage of Kika Beach Club for use within the business premises.

The Planning Officer presented both applications P/FUL/2025/02894 and P/LBC/2025/02899 at the same time as they related to the same premises. The scheme sought the retention of canopies and associated works to the frontage of the Kika Beach Club for use within the business premises.

Members were shown the site, which fronted onto the esplanade and comprised two mid‑terrace Grade II listed buildings together with a section of the highway pavement in front. The premises operated as a drinking establishment and restaurant. The site lay within the Defined Development Boundary, the Weymouth Town Centre Conservation Area, and was part of a group of listed buildings.

An external floor plan was displayed, indicating the boundary formed by a timber‑clad and metal‑framed wall, with pedestrian access directly onto the pavement. The Planning Officer described the fixed polycarbonate canopy and two retractable canopies, under which benches and seating were positioned. The north elevation plans showed the structures in relation to the pavement area. Street‑view images illustrated the frames with the canopies retracted. A closer image of the entrance was provided. A photograph dated December 2025 showed the canopies and infill plastic glazing in place, resulting in the complete obscuring of the ground floor of the listed buildings. A comparison image from October 2009 was shown, illustrating the buildings prior to the installation of any external works.

The Planning Officer outlined the key planning considerations. While the principle of development was acceptable, the design was considered non‑traditional and out of keeping with the Georgian architectural character of the area. The structures were judged to be at odds with the defining characteristics of the Conservation Area. It was considered that the works obscured the entire ground floor of the listed buildings and created visual clutter. Although the buildings had remained largely unaltered on their principal elevations, the visual integrity of the listed buildings had been adversely impacted. The proposal was considered to result in less than substantial harm to the setting and significance of the listed buildings, and no clear or convincing justification had been provided. It was noted that any public benefits arising from the outdoor seating could be achieved through temporary, non‑permanent seating arrangements.

Officers provided the following responses to members questions:

·       The current structure did not have planning permission and it was estimated that it had been installed gradually over the last 4-5 years.

·       Establishments along the esplanade had been granted a sitting out licence, which allowed them to use temporary furniture to provide an outside seating area, rather than a permanent structure.

The committee agreed to extend the meeting beyond three hours.

Several members expressed sympathy for the local businesses and emphasised the importance of supporting them, however recognised the status of the Grade II listed buildings and their contribution to the setting and character of Weymouth.

It was proposed by Cllr Eysenck and seconded by Cllr Kimber that the application be refused.

Decision: That the application be refused for the reasons set out in the appendix to these minutes.