Smaller riverboats kiosk at Wareham Riverboats, Wareham

The site and surroundings

The 55-square-metre quayside site includes seating, part of the slipway, the historic pump and an existing temporary kiosk within Wareham Conservation Area.

“Description of site 4.1 The application site consists of a 55sqm area of land at Abbots Quay, Wareham. It extends along the quayside on the western side of South Bridge and includes an area of seating, part of the slipway, a historic pump, and the existing temporary kiosk. Directly to the south of the site is the River Frome with water meadows extending into the Dorset National Landscape beyond.”

“In terms of other constraints, the site is located within Flood Zones 2 and 3 (present day and 20270 – 2125) and adjacent to an area susceptible to groundwater flooding. It is also within the River Frome and Wareham Meadows SSSI 400m buffer areas, the Poole Harbour Nutrient Catchment Area and adjacent to the Dorset National Landscape. 5.”

Officer report

Earlier permissions

The site has a long history of temporary boat-hire huts, and the latest kiosk permission was granted in 2023 contrary to the officer recommendation.

“Planning Application Proposal Decision 6/1980/0522 Station hut for boat hire service (renewal). Granted 6/1981/0519 Re-site boat hire kiosk. Refused 6/1981/0796 Station hut in connection with boat hire (renewal). Granted 6/1982/0597 Station hut in connection with boat hire (renewal). Granted 6/1983/0587 Station hut in connection with boat hire (renewal). Granted 6/1984/0619 Station hut in connection with boat hire (renewal).”

“6/2006/0352 Station hut in connection with boat hire (Renewal). Granted 6/2009/0287 Continue stationing of hut in connection with boat hire. Granted 6/2012/0769 Retention of existing hut used in connection with boat hire. Granted 6/2017/0708 Retention of existing hut used in connection with boat hire. Granted P/FUL/2022/04609 Replace storage kiosk. Retention and relocation of Bamford's Water Pump. Demolition of stone and concrete plinth.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

The Conservation Officer and Town Council raised no objection after design changes, while Natural England and the Environment Agency provided no substantive comments.

“Consultations All consultee responses can be viewed in full on the website. Consultees 1. Natural England No comments received. Environment Agency Application falls outside remit as set out in our external consultation checklist and we will not be providing any comments. DC Conservation Officer Comments of 24/11/2025: Concerns were expressed in connection with the previously approved scheme and the reduction in footprint is therefore welcomed.”

“However, revised building sits almost in line with north facing (street) elevation with the dotted line denoting the roof appearing to project forward of the warehouse. Both the storage kiosk and the previously approved building were set further back.”

Officer report

Objections received

One objection raised concerns about previous removal requirements, fishing and public access, and possible subsidence and responsibility for works.

“Total - objections Total - No objections Total - comments 1 0 0 Summary of comments of objections: • Another planning application for Abbots Quay. • Attended original meeting when kiosk / store was permitted and main condition was that it was that it must be removed at end of each season. It never has been. No enforcement. Gives the owner the impression they can do as they please with previous owner refusing to remove boats even in winter and excluding anglers from fishing.”

“Concern for subsidence on fragile quay structure and works will increase risk. Who will be responsible?”

Officer report

Public participation

No members of the public spoke at the meeting.

Members’ discussion

Members welcomed the reduced footprint and considered the smaller building more effective in design and function.

“Members questions and comments • Welcomed the proposal, noting that the reduced footprint would provide better working conditions. • Observed that the slightly smaller building was more effective in its design and function.”

Minutes

The vote

Councillors proposed and seconded approval of the officer recommendation to grant permission with the stated conditions and informative notes.

“Having had the opportunity to discuss the merits of the application and an understanding of all this entailed; having considered the officer’s report and presentation; the written representatives; and what they had heard at the meeting, a motion to APPROVE the officer’s recommendation to GRANT as recommended, was proposed by Cllr Beryl Ezzard, and seconded by Cllr Toni Coombs, subject to conditions and informative notes set out in the officer report.”

Minutes

The decision

The committee granted permission for the reasons set out in the officer recommendation.

“Decision: To grant for the reasons set out in Section 17 of the officer’s report.”

Minutes

Conditions attached

The permission requires approved plans, commencement by 22 February 2026, later installation of cladding and roof, and removal if the business ceases.

“The development hereby permitted shall be carried out in accordance with the following approved plans: 22127.01 A Site, Location and Block Plan 25148.05 A Demolition Site Plan 25148.06 C Proposed Site and Floor Plan 25148.07 D Proposed Elevations (1 of 2) 25148.08 D Proposed Elevations (2 of 2)”

“The metal kiosk unit shall only be installed on site with an external painted colour finish of slate grey (RAL 7015). Within 7 months off the unit installation, the approved external larch cladding and powder coated steel standing seam roof (colour slate grey) shall be fully installed on the metal unit and shall thereafter be retained and maintained in accordance with such materials as have been agreed.”

Officer report