PLANS for a house extension in Bembridge have been approved — despite concerns from residents who fear it will scupper plans to rebuild a seafront cafe.

The Lifeboat View Cafe, at Lane End, Bembridge, was demolished last September with a view to building a smaller cafe on the same site.

The site was formerly flats, with a cafe at the front and a large outdoor seating area.

Last year the Isle of Wight Council approved plans to knock down the cafe and build an extension to the house.

Now the owner, Debbie Potts, has been given permission to extend the property even further.

Councillors voted to approve the plans at last night’s planning committee.

Members were not able to vote on the plans to rebuild the cafe, as it was at the landowner’s discretion.

One of the planning officers told the committee: “It’s not for the planning authority to control whether that cafe operates or not. It’s the landowner’s choice whether they run the cafe or don’t and if they wish not to run it’s their decision.

“You need to consider the plans in front of you, and not the emotional side related to the running of the cafe.”

The owner will now be able to extend the sun room on the seafront property.

Plans to include a boathouse in the extension had previously been removed, following more than 900 complaints from residents.