A concern over public noise nuisance has called the application of ‘the Solent’s first’ luxury sailing restaurant into question.
Plans were revealed last month for a 34-metre, fully refurbished yacht, based at Venture Quays in East Cowes, to serve as a new floating bar and restaurant.
Inspiration for the venture
In the plans for The Boat, which would be spread out over three decks, Freehold Group, the company behind the idea, took inspiration from the Grand Banks oyster bar on the Hudson River in New York.
Latest documents submitted with the application say this is an exciting point in the history of the Solent, with its waters ‘never being more attractive’ as a destination.
Sailing to the perfect sunset
It is proposed the captain of the ship will sail the vessel to the perfect sunset each evening, depending on the best location on the location in the Solent, through the summer months.
The licensing application to be able to supply alcohol and play live or recorded music, from 11am to midnight, was submitted to the Isle of Wight Council and underwent consultation, which finished earlier this month.
One objection
Now, due to one objection, the licence for The Boat will be decided by the council’s licensing sub-committee next week.
The council received four responses to the consultation – a statement of support from East Cowes Town Council as well as three objections.
However, after being informed about The Boat’s noise management plan, two were withdrawn.
Noise concerns
The final East Cowes objector said they would be affected by the noise nuisance, if a licence to play music until midnight, or later if it is New Year’s Eve, is granted.
They said they have concerns due to previous experiences of Cowes Week and noise travelling across the water and wished for the sub-committee to consider their views.
Recommended approval
The council’s licensing officers, however, say The Boat has not been responsible for this and as it is a new business, it is not known whether the entertainment provided would compromise the licensing objectives.
Due to that fact, officers have proposed the sub-committee grant the licence per the application with the noise management plan a proportionate prevention measure at this stage.
Measures being planned
Officers say a range of measures have been put forward to be installed to ensure the activities are properly managed and objectives are upheld, like staff training, the requirement of CCTV and a noise management plan.
The Boat has also said it will ensure customers respect the needs of other users on the sea and those on land, by staff telling customers and monitoring their exit where appropriate as well as signs by the door.
This article is from the BBC’s LDRS (Local Democracy Reporter Service) scheme, which News OnTheWight is part of. Read here to find about more about how that scheme works on the Island. Some alterations and additions may have been made by News OnTheWight. Ed
