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.
In the plans for The Boat, which would be spread out over 3 decks, Freehold Group, the company behind the idea, took inspiration from the Grand Banks oyster bar on the Hudson River in New York.
The 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.
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 11:00 to midnight, was submitted to the Isle of Wight Council and underwent consultation, which finished earlier this month.
Now, due to 1 objection, the licence for The Boat will be decided by the council’s licensing sub-committee next week.
The council received 4 responses to the consultation – a statement of support from East Cowes Town Council as well as 3 objections. However, after being informed about The Boat’s noise management plan, 2 were withdrawn.
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.
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.
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.
There is always one nimby objector, if they are disturbed by Cowes week why do they live in Cowes ?
I bet their house is painted grey.
We would be happy to have her anchor near us, no problem !!
Everyone has the right to object. This is Britain not North Korea.
Strange logic, Reg. We chose to live in Freshwater because of its proximity to wonderful walks and facilities and lovely people, but we don’t like unnecessary and thoughtless noise. Does that make us nimbys? I think not. Like festivals and long-standing events, you just have to accept and live with a yearly invasion, or go away while it is on. But why would you not be disturbed about the permanent arrival of a possibly noisy and offensive venture near to where you have chosen to live? To use your argument, the complainants were there first.
Quite right overner – I recall years ago, when they changed solent court on ryde esplanade into flats from a hotel/bar, the new residents complained to the council about the noise from the bowling alley and the nightclub opposite. The councils response was “you knew the nightclub was there before you moved in and your complaints are not upheld” this was published in the media at the time.
Based on that, those wishing to run this boat party should be told – no, the residents were there before you arrived and they take precedence – no loud music.
Don’t think the class of party goers on this will cause any issues as will be responsible paying guests, not like local pub/ takeaways,yes I moved out of Cowes because of Cowes week etc, I would not expect to stop enjoyment of 100s to let me have a good night’s sleep. One objection and not even in right side of river.
So one objection and it changes the process – so why, when there are many objections to planning applications do they not make a difference? Look how many objections there were to Westridge Farm.
Funny that isn’t it ????? Maybe cos it’s Cowes ???
Out of the hundreds of comments on the New Forest National Park website about the demolition of the Fawley chimney, all the comments were exclusively objections to the chimney being demolished, only one person didn’t object but remained neutral, last time I looked there was not one comment voting in favour of the demolition, but the New Forest authorities always wanted demolition, so got their way. All those objectors were totally ignored. It seems people who have the power to say yes or no to something have already decided on it one way or the other and the pretense of allowing the public to have a say is merely that, a pretense.
Is this “Conway Castle” launched 1963 for rIver cruises on the Dart? If so, should be exciting in the Solent on a rough night.
Perhaps it is the damage and noise that drunks and now likely drug abusers will create when leaving the joint which is more of an issue.
Kicking tins and relieving themselves in your hedge and swearing is most likely nowadays.
It’s a shame that 1 person can be the cause of problems re floating restaurant which I feel would be a brilliant evening out …..
Perhaps those that would like to enjoy an evening out on boat could have a whip round for a pair of earplugs??????
And don’t forget we are talking about 1 boat not hundreds !!!!!!!.
Also sad that if 1 can cause disruption 1000 s of signatures cannot stop building over priced rabbit hutches ……
Just saying !!!!!
I think the photo being used to illustrate the article say’s it all forget restaurant think party boat , alcohol and water should never be mixed.
Agree alcohol and water should never be mixed but (especially in Cowes and during that certain week) it always is – and in huge amounts
I wonder if the objector is an ‘Overner’ or a ‘Calkhead’ or just a misrerable person happy to stand in the way of other peoples fun!
Minor point: the objector lives in East Cowes not Cowes according to the above report.
Seems like the business is expecting lots of customers so where are they all going to park? All the local long stay on street parking spots are usually full for most of the day and others are subject to short stay restrictions.
Sound from within the actual boat is unlikely to be a main issue but disturbance from people leaving is most likely problem and no amount of signs on board is likely to address that going by experiences of other entertainment venues.
Sailing out each evening to watch the sunset seems a good advertising ploy but in reality ?
Has anyone seen the last ‘The Boat’ ?