Plans for three mobile cafés to return to Seatown beach

Mobile catering units Arty Bakes, Chariot of Fire and Seatown Seafood all used to be based at Seatown beach during the summer months.

They were open across the summer last year and plans were subsequently submitted so they could return this summer alongside the Seaside Sauna Haus. 

However these were turned down by Dorset Council for being 'harmful' to the Jurassic heritage coast and village conservation area.

Some residents were also worried that these units would 'over commercialise' Seatown. 

In May this year, plans were resubmitted for the sauna alone which were subsequently approved. 

Now the three catering businesses hope they will also be able to return to the beach for summer 2025. 

Emma Trenchard, owner of Arty Bakes, said that many locals and loyal customers were shocked by this refusal and has submitted an appeal to return to Seatown next year. 

Her mobile café offers a selection of homemade goods, specialising in pizza, gluten free cakes, plant-based bakes and fruit smoothies.  

Arty Bakes café on Seatown Beach (Image: Emma Trenchard)

She said: “My café was a really colourful, affordable option for people to grab some food on the beach. 

"It was really sad because there was a lot of public support there and we think people really miss us."

"We’re hoping to be back next year and put a poll out on the Chideock and Seatown notice board as well as submitting a planning appeal.

"It will mean so much to me as well as Chariot of Fire and Seatown Seafood to be able to return for summer 2025."

Chariot of Fire catering unit on Seatown Beach (Image: Chariot of Fire)

Chideock Parish Council has organised a Facebook poll on whether the seafront hardstanding should accommodate temporary mobile businesses. 

So far only 14 people have voted, with eight people voting in favour and six voting against. 

Paul Wiscombe runs Chariot of Fire, which uses a wood fire oven to prepare handmade pizzas. 

He said: "Seatown is one of the main locations when we started our small family business once the Covid restrictions were eased way back in May 2020.

"There is more than enough business to go around on the sunny summer days when we (the beach traders) are all there.

"A lot of the concerns have been addressed by the landowner within the initial planning application; so hopefully the appeals process is successful - we’ve got everything crossed!"

Residents can also submit comments on the appeal to the Planning Inspectorate directly using the Appeals Casework Portal until Tuesday, September 17. This can be done at https://shorturl.at/3BsPU