Exploring the Bournemouth Coast Path

An appeal by developers against the refusal for flat development on the site of The Point House Cafe in Southbourne has been dismissed by the Planning Inspector. 

The popular cafe, which closed in 2006, is the last house in Poole Bay for walkers taking the coast path from west to east. Being alongside the coast path it was the natural break for refreshment before tackling the section over Hengistbury Head to the Mudeford Ferry. 

Harrison Developments’ plan to demolish the cafe and build a four storey block of flats drew over 800 objections.The Inspector, Andrew Newman, says: “The larger scale and mass of the proposed building by comparison with the existing building on the site, combined with its contrastingly modern design and prominent location on the cliff-top, would cause the proposal to have an unacceptable impact on the appearance of the area.”

Mr Newman described the former cafe as “a much appreciated amenity” valued by local people.

Point House, which opened in 1963, had several famous regular visitors including Rolf Harris and Alex James. It was also used as a location for The Project, a BBC television drama about New Labour, starring Ian McFadden.

Last weekend a walker became trapped up to his knees in heavy mud after wandering off the beach to the cliff base.

Luciano Vitrello from London was walking along the beach below Naish Farm caravan park when the incoming tide drove him up on to the mud at the bottom of the crumbling cliff.

It was over an hour after the emergency services were called that the fire brigade and coastguards managed to free him. Earler two passers-by had failed to release him.

It has served as a warning to those who deviate from the coast path. Southbourne Coastguard officer Andrew Edwards said that such incidents were not uncommon and suggested walkers should check tide times.

The coast path runs north up nearby Chewton Bunny and behind Naish Farm before reaching Barton-on-Sea.