Hove businessman's Rockwater village Sandbanks plans approved

Luke Davis' vision for Rockwater "2.0" in Sandbanks, in Poole is modelled on the operation he runs in Hove and will feature new hospitality and community offerings.

The Sandbanks proposals, which will transform restaurants and kiosks at Sandbanks Cafe have been generally welcomed – attracting just three objections and have now been given the go ahead.

Due to a lack of concerns raised by residents, councillors or official consultees, the application was decided by council planning officers.

Sandbanks is a peninsula off the Dorset coast and is home to well known names including former football manager Harry Redknapp.

Sandbanks Café (Image: Newsquest)In its report, the council said: “The proposal would enhance the existing restaurant provision in this established tourist location and would boost the local economy in a manner that would not be detrimental to the character and appearance of the area.”

• Read more: Plans for multi-million pound new Rockwater site hit by issue with nesting lizards

Despite having to redesign the Sandbanks site due to nesting lizards in sand dunes – which Mr Davis jokingly dubbed “Lizard-gate” – it is hoped work will begin within the coming weeks.

Before and after CGIs for Rockwater development at Sandbanks beach (Image: Rockwater)

Last month, Mr Davis got the green light from Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch Council for his planned transformation of the Branksome Chine café into a new community complex, despite backlash from residents.

Mr Davis told the Bournemouth Echo: “I’m relieved and excited, it’s been a long road, but we want to get cracking now and create something the community loves.

“We had few very loud local detractors in Branksome, that didn’t happen in Sandbanks. We had a very good dialogue with the residents' association and still have.

“People may be set in their ways about what Rockwater is, but it couldn’t be further from the truth.

“Once both sites are done people will realise it’s for the whole community.

“As a business it’s not viable unless locals are going in the winter and you can’t build a sustainable business by just targeting summer tourists – our interests really are aligned with local people.

“Rockwater is for everyone.”

It is hoped the main Branksome development will be finished by this summer, while Sandbanks will likely open later on in the year.

Pop-up shacks are planned for the summer months as primary building work goes on.

Luke Davis, founder of Rockwater