PLANS to add a first floor terrace to a Christchurch seafront restaurant have been met with a raft of objections.

Avon Beach Cafe Ltd want to add the outdoor area that will have views of the beach and sea to the Noisy Lobster building in Mudeford.

The application to BCP Council, which is the 21st for the site in the past 10 years, is currently under consideration with planning officers.

Christchurch Town Council and dozens of residents have voiced their opposition.

Members of the town council voted at a meeting on Friday to submit an objection to the scheme on the grounds that it would be "detrimental to the amenity of the neighbours", which goes against the policy in the local plan.

Mayor of Christchurch Lesley Dedman said the town council supported the fears raised by residents.

"The residents are very worried about the new parts of the building that are being applied for," said Cllr Dedman.

"It has gone from being a small beach hut cafe to being a massive complex of buildings – that is what is upsetting the residents.

"We have planning grounds to object because it is intrusive. "Avon Beach is a lovely secluded beach and we very much want to keep it that way."

The town council's response is accompanied by more than 40 resident objections, citing various concerns and issues over the proposal, while there are 21 submissions in support.

A resident in Avon Run Road, which is located behind the restaurant, said: "We at Avon Run and the surrounding area already put up with the noise, general disturbance, cooking smells, increased parking problems and traffic generated by the previous proposals which have been granted.

"The current building is already too big and causes a bottleneck at this area of beach, making it impossible for residents to enjoy the area. We do not need any further extensions or development at this site."

Writing in support of the development, a Rodney Drive resident said: "The Noisy Lobster has transformed that part of the beach and is a great asset to the area, a terrace will be a positive addition."

In 2018, 100 objections failed to prevent the approval of plans to deliver a first floor extension to the building, which allowed the business owners to add more covers to the restaurant.

This application was granted by the narrowest of margins by Christchurch Borough Council's planning committee, with four votes in favour and three against.