IT MIGHT float someone’s boat – but not Dorset Council planners.

A request to retain an amphibious ‘duck’ vehicle with surrounding decking to the rear of Seals Cove at Bridport has been refused planning consent.

The company behind Seals Cove, PJS Developments, applied to use the boat and decking, partially built, as an ‘ amenity area’, saying it would provide ‘public visual interest.’

Their plan was to use it for the sale of refreshments to customers at Seals Cove and people passing by on the riverside footpath – with the vehicle being spruced up and painted before being put to its new use.

According to an agent acting for the business the vehicle and decking amount to around 400square metre and is sited on a grass paddock within the flood plain, with plans to have a raised walkway to the centre which boasts a soft play area, rock climbing walls and a bar with a Viking theme.

Said the planning agent, dealing with the flood risk: “In times of flood, the site will be flooded, and the vehicle will float. The development will not prevent the passage of water through the site and the existing fencing will prevent floating debris from passing through the site. The development will therefore be unaffected by flooding and will not prevent the passage of water within the river valley. Access to the site will be via a raised walkway which would provide emergency access in times of flooding.”

Bridport Town Council had objected to the application, telling Dorse Council: “The proposed development is outside the Defined Development Boundary, in the Dorset National Landscape, and in an area designated as local green space in the Bridport Area Neighbourhood Plan.”

A Dorset Council planning case officer commented on the size of the vehicle and decking saying it appeared more like a café use than the amenity area suggested in the application.

Said the officer, recommending refusal: “The development would deliver a new community facility, but this is not a significant benefit because it would be for patrons of the business and not for the general public. The facility would lead to minor economic gains through revenue generation, but the submitted application form confirms it would not result in any socio-economic gains from additional employment. Any benefits are thus very minor and do not clearly outweigh the inappropriateness of the development,” the site also being deemed unsuitable because of the flood risk.

A statement from Seals Cove, sited alongside the area, says the business wants to improve the grassy area and create “a community hub for everyone to enjoy. We are mindful of our neighbours and want to ensure that the natural beauty is maintained, if not for the benefit of the passing community and the wildlife that inhabit the area. The family only want to create a new addition that benefits the whole community improving the surrounding area.”