Storm brewing over a Bognor Coffee Cup

Flatowners in Esplanade Grande have made their views known about the proposed Coffee Cup outlet on The Esplanade between Albert Road and Walton Avenue.

Eight letters of objection to the scheme had been received by Arun District Council by Tuesday morning.

Denise Squires, one of the objectors, told the council: “I strongly object to yet another eyesore being allowed to occupy the space on the promenade opposite the only outstanding building in Bognor. This shows complete disregard to the impact this has on residents of these apartments.”

Another protestor, Linda Parkes, described the proposal as ‘stark, raving mad’ and a ‘montrosity’. “What you propose is for residents of Esplanade Grande to now look out on to the rear elevation of a hideous kiosk, tables and chairs, plus all the rubbish that goes with that,” she said.

Another seafront resident, Nicholas Morris, of Mountbatten Court, said: “I object on the grounds that the proposed kiosk has no architectural merit, is out of keeping with existing buildings such as the shore office, bandstand and pedestrian shelters.

“Approval for this kiosk would merely reinforce the view that the council has no plan in place for a visually coherent enhancement of the promenade at Bognor.”

This contrasted with the improvements which had taken place on Littlehampton seafront, he added.

Bognor Regis Town Council has also objected. Its planning and licensing committee said the kiosk went against its neighbourhood plan which sought to protect the views of the town looking out to sea.

Members were also concerned about the kiosk’s siting on a narrow part of the promenade used by walkers, cyclists and the land train.

If approval was given, the kiosk should be sited on the pebbles, they said. About 12 protestors attended.