Under-threat Middle Beach Cafe gets six month reprieve

Studland beach cafe had been due to be demolished when the lease expires in 2017

No major changes will be carried out to an under-threat, century-old seaside cafe before the views of the public are heard, the National Trust has said.

More than 3,000 people have objected to proposals to demolish Middle Beach Cafe at Studland, Dorset, and create a new one in a nearby car park.

The trust, which owns the land, said the building is at risk of coastal erosion.

Campaigners will raise their concerns at a meeting on Saturday.

The cafe and ice cream kiosk had been due to be demolished after their leases expire next year.

'Disappearing beach'

The toilet block and Studland Sea School activity centre - which the trust said were at immediate risk - would also be relocated.

The trust said the latest engineers' report "makes clear that Middle Beach is disappearing" with about 700mm (27in) expected to be lost over the next 100 years, due to rising sea levels.

Campaigners say the cafe has good views of Old Harry Rocks

Its plans also include removing the sea defences at Studland which it believes "are actively harming the beach by not allowing it to naturally regenerate".

Campaigner and Studland parish councillor Nick Boulter said removing the sea defences would threaten the area further and "destroy the use of the beach".

"Middle Beach is a beautiful cafe - it's been there for 100 years - it overlooks the sea, the yachts and Old Harry Rocks," he added.

The trust has agreed to delay any major works for six months while it consults with the community.