CONTROVERSIAL plans to build a boathouse on the seafront in Bembridge have been withdrawn.

More than 185 complaints have been lodged against a house extension, which residents fear will scupper plans to build a new seafront cafe.

The site was formerly flats — now converted into a single property — with a cafe at the front and a large outdoor seating area.

The cafe was knocked down last year, with plans approved to build a smaller replacement cafe on site.

On Wednesday, part of the application — the plans for a boathouse — was withdrawn.

Residents claimed the boathouse plans encroached onto space for the replacement cafe, and feared it would not be built at all.

Owner Debbie Potts has also lodged separate plans for a food van and small kiosk on part of the same site.

Planning agent Paul Stack said the decision had been taken in light of ongoing discussions regarding the possible construction of the approved cafe.

Delays to the rebuilding of the cafe have been caused by a large storm drain, running under where the replacement cafe has been proposed.

Mr Stack said: “It has been decided to simplify the first application by seeking consent solely for the domestic addition, which the owner would like to build for the summer.

“The removal of the boathouse element will hopefully allow a speedier decision on this part of the site which does not affect the cafe’s location.”