THE owners of Sevens Boat Shed restaurant in Poole Park could be asked to remove decking, an area of artificial grass and a stainless steel balustrade put up without planning permission.

A retrospective application by Eddie and Brenda Mitchell’s company Black Label Events (Poole) was unanimously turned down by members of the planning committee last week. The company says it will appeal on the grounds that the development is within the area it leases from the council.

Vice-chairman Cllr Peter Pawlowski admitted that members felt the decking and enclosure were “attractive and of good quality”, but added: “They failed to preserve or enhance the historic character of Poole Park.

“The decking’s location gave the perception of a private area for use by the patrons of the restaurant, thus potentially restricting access by the public into an area of public open space.”

Objections to the development were made by Branksome Park, Canford Cliffs and District Residents’ Association and in two letters.

Their complaints included that the decking added clutter and did not fit in with the historic character and setting of the Victorian park.

In a statement, Sevens Boatshed’s owners criticised the council for failing to resolve ongoing problems of “weed stench and goose mess” in the park and claimed they had been trying to give park users a clean outside space in which to relax. They have started a petition.

“It is beyond us that we are paying rent and rates for the premises without having any outside spaces available to customers, who would be able to enjoy a clean goose mess-free experience,” they said.

“We have decided to appeal the decision on the basis that the areas that have been levelled by way of decking and artificial grass are within the leased areas we pay for.

“We are appalled by the lack of understanding shown by the council and surprised that such plans were turned down. The park needs some new clean areas for park users to once again enjoy their visits to this delightful park.”

The applicant has three months in which to appeal, but if the decision is upheld, the council will seek the removal of the decking and associated works.