The National Trust has come under fire for plans to demolish Britain’s oldest beach cafe and replace it with a ‘burger van’.
Visitors to Middle Beach in Studland, Dorset, have been able to stop for a hot drink and food for almost 120 years.
But on January 2 it will close for good as part of the National Trust’s ‘managed retreat’ strategy against coastal erosion.
Although the building is 50 feet back and 20 feet above the shoreline, the trust insists it is vulnerable to erosion.
Instead of strengthening sea defenses to protect the cafe from any threat of falling into the sea, the organization will demolish it.
In its place, the Trust proposed a temporary mobile catering hut set further back in the car park.
Recently unveiled plans for what the new facility will look like have not gone down well with locals and visitors.
“The old cafe was perfect”
Andrew Parsons, a local parish councilor and retired civil engineer, said: “Their plan replaces a beautiful historic cafe with a million dollar view with a car park shed.
“I know it’s temporary, but the cafe shouldn’t be demolished in the first place.
“Whatever they decide to build permanently, as it will be in their vision of the world, the old cafe was perfect.”
Martin Williams, who lives nearby in Swanage, said: “To get rid of a well-used, working cafe and replace it with this is disgraceful.
“Our NT membership will not be renewed.”
Sharon Stanley said: “Bring back the Middle Beach Cafe offering good food and hot drinks at reasonable prices with friendly service instead of this proposed monstrosity.”
Beverley Jane posted on social media after seeing the plans: “FFS it’s a burger van.”
Another local said: “So it’s a trailer with some portals. Well done, National Trust. You’re closing a wonderful institution and replacing it with something that looks like it belongs in the desert.”
Add Comment