Noisy Lobster on Avon Beach at Mudeford given BCP Council approval for revamp

A Mudeford beachfront restaurant has been given the green light for a major revamp.

Owners of the Noisy Lobster on Avon Beach applied to BCP Council planners to change the entrance, extend and partially demolish the ground floor, enlarge the first-floor terrace above as well as the front dormers, remove the side window and refurb the interior throughout.

In the application, planners were told the aesthetics of the building would be improved by removing the white PVC entrance foyer.

It continued: “Giving careful consideration to the impact on neighbours, this application also proposes to moderately extend the first floor terrace. The plan is to enlarge the front dormers and make internal reconfigurations throughout to improve the overall layout of the restaurant.”

However, while there is negligible alteration to floor space, diner seating will be reduced – from 253 to 235 covers inside and out.

The application added: "The internal reconfigurations will improve the flow and accessibility of the restaurant. Although losing covers, the restaurant will be able to provide more desirable table locations for customers to enjoy the sea views.

“The alterations to the entrance will improve disabled access while also providing shelter for customers waiting to be seated in inclement weather. The alterations to the first floor dormers will create more front-of-house space for customers, while the ground floor extension allows the dining space to be reoptimised and facilitates a larger first floor terrace.”

In approving the scheme, a BCP planning officer said the changes “would help secure the longevity and significant existing economic benefit of the restaurant in accordance with the local plan and national planning policy framework”.

The Noisy Lobster employs around 50 full-time and 80 part-time staff.