Middle Beach Cafe protesters lose National Trust vote

The National Trust which owns the land, said the cafe is at risk of coastal erosion

Efforts to block plans to tear down a century-old seaside cafe have been rejected by National Trust members.

A resolution opposing plans to demolish Middle Beach Cafe at Studland, Dorset, and create a new one in a nearby car park was defeated at the trust's AGM

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

Studland parish councillor Nick Boulter said it was "much-loved". More than 3,000 people signed a petition objecting to the plan.

A resolution opposing the plans was defeated by 14,457 votes to 11,791 at the National Trust's AGM.

'No beach left'

Mr Boulter said advice given to the parish council "totally contradicted" the trust's views on erosion.

"It's a much loved cafe - we know there are erosion issues but they're as much to do with water down the slopes as much as from the sea.

"With a small investment, we'd be able to get the type of sea defences needed to protect the bay but also have proper drainage in order to save the banks. More damage is done by rainwater than from the sea."

The National Trust agreed to delay the relocation of the cafe for consultations to take place.

Ian Williams of the National Trust said: "We're willing to spend another six months looking at this. The beach is lowering and it won't be that long before there is no beach left where the cafe is."

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

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