Canopies and frontage works at Kika Beach Club, Weymouth

“Application Number: P/FUL/2025/02894 Webpage: https://planning.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/ Site address: Kika Beach Club 52-53 The Esplanade Weymouth DT4 8DG Proposal: Retain canopies and associated works to frontage of Kika Beach Club for use within the business premises…”

“Description of development 5.1 Retain canopies and associated works to frontage of Kika Beach Club for use within the business premises…”

“Issue Conclusion Economic benefits Acceptable Highway impacts Acceptable Environmental Implications Acceptable 4. Description of site 4.1 The application site is located fronting onto The Esplanade in Weymouth Town Centre and is approximately 30m southeast of the highway junction with New Street. This is a secondary shopping frontage area of Weymouth's Esplanade which is predominantly characterised by the historic Georgian period seafront.”

“The outdoor seating area covers an area of approximately 59m 2 , is enclosed by timber clad and metal framed wall that ranges in height from approximately 2m to 1m, with a circular shaped opening frame for pedestrian access to the premises located towards the front of no.53 The Esplanade. The outdoor seating area has a fixed polycarbonate canopy in the centre of the two buildings and flanking this are two fixed canopy structures with retractable canopies.”

“Background and relevant planning history 6.1 Members attention is drawn to the live applications no. P/LBC/2025/01317 & P/FUL/2025/01316 in relation to the adjoining 54-55 The Esplanade (known as The Nook Cocktail Club) premises which propose to retain canopies and associated works to frontage of The Nook Cocktail Club for use within the business premises. The relevant planning history for the application site is set out below. Application no.”

“Reason application is going to committee: In accordance with the Council’s scheme of delegation this application is brought to committee for determination as the application site includes adopted highway which is vested in Dorset Council. Summary of recommendation: Refuse permission for the following reasons: 1.”

“The proposed development is out of keeping with the heritage character of the site and the wider area and Esplanade, fails to positively preserve or enhance the unique Georgian architectural characteristics of the area and as such fails to accord with West Dorset, Weymouth & Portland Local Plan 2015 Policy ENV12, Weymouth Neighbourhood Plan Policies W15, W44 and W55 and paragraphs 131, 135 and 139 of the National Planning Policy Framework (2025 as amended).”

“Consultations All consultee responses can be viewed in full on the website. Consultees 1. Environment Agency (EA) The EA considers the application to fall outside of their remit and have stated that they will not be providing any comments on the proposal. 2.”

“Furthermore, the proposal adds visual clutter and a dense design which creates harm to the wider contribution made to the street scene and the character and appearance of the Conservation Area. The character and appearance of the Weymouth Town Conservation Area is defined by its historic buildings, traditional materials, and cohesive historic townscape.”

“Weymouth Town Council The Council positively supports the application on the grounds of economic development. Representations received Weymouth Civic Society We have concerns about these proposals, which would result in further additions to the barriers around the forecourts, effectively enclosing the space at the frontage, and affecting the setting of this historic Georgian terrace of buildings.”

“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.”