Weymouth harbour restaurant Quayside Bar and Kitchen refused planning permission for windows

Dorset Council planners have refused permission for the new doors and windows at the Quayside Bar and Kitchen on Custom House Quay. 

The business believed they were doing nothing wrong in replacing the old windows and doors, classing it as maintenance, but only later were told they needed planning consent after finishing the work this spring.

This week Dorset Council refused permission for the changes which could lead to enforcement action unless a compromise can be found.

Quayside Bar and Kitchen has had a facelift

Weymouth Civic Society did not object to the changes but said that it would expect people to wait for planning approval before carrying out any work: “While not listed, it is an important building in the harbourside scene and within the Conservation Area.

The dark frames, wider openings on the ground floor and loss of glazing bars, all contrasting with the light tone of the walls, contribute to a very altered character, which seems to us to fit less well to its setting,” said its spokesman.

The business says the windows and doors were replaced because they were failing structurally in places and it was thought best to replace all at once so that the new units all matched.

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A planning agent for the company has argued that while the building has been slightly altered in appearance it has not caused substantial harm to the building, or the wider area, although council officers say the addition of French doors does alter the appearance enough to reject the changes.

Quayside’s Mike Allen says he would rather board up the business than see the new fittings removed.

He says that since the expensive refit he has received only praise for the new look – and bookings have been hitting the roof, with visitors tempted in by the revamp and the restaurant often at capacity.

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"They’re no different than many other buildings,” he said. “Dorset Council are pathetic and stuck in the Dark Ages - and as soon as it goes to appeal I’m sure someone out of this county will approve it.

“The council really can’t say much about keeping with the conservation area can they when they have installed those railings along the harbour. How in keeping with the conservation are they?”

The building before new windows and doors were put in Picture: Google Maps

At a meeting of Weymouth Town Council’s planning committee in March, members voted by a majority of 8 in favour, with 1 against, to return “no objection” to the windows, with a recommendation that there should be some engagement with owners and builders working in conservation areas.

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It comes as a Weymouth harbourside pub, the Old Rooms Inn, was refused planning permission for a number of proposed changes.

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