A FISHING group has accused the council of blocking plans to install a chiller unit at a fish store in Lyme Regis.

Blue Marine Foundation want fishermen to be able to keep fish and ice in the store on The Cobb - and have been granted listed building consent for the shed. But West Dorset District Council have been accused of blocking the proposals by the chairman of the Blue Marine Foundation and the Lyme Bay Fisheries and Conservation Reserve, Tim Glover.

"We are not changing anything on the outside - so we didn't need planning permission" he said.

"We have listed building consent. As far as I am aware, it's all do to with the surveyors at West Dorset District Council - who seem to be blocking it for us.

"It is bizarre really. It's a working fish port and there are local fishermen who are trying to earn a living.

"It is only going to help the fishing community by putting in a decent chiller store - rather than leaving it all on the quay. It seems crazy that something like this hasn't breezed through the planning process."

The Blue Marine Foundation was granted listed building consent in January to turn the existing building into a chilled storage unit.

Dorset County Council's highways committee had no objection to the plans - but Lyme Regis Town Council recommended listed building consent was refused, on the grounds that the new vents would be out of keeping wit the Grade 1 listed structure, along with concerns over smell and a lack of drainage.

A spokesperson for Lyme Regis Town Council said: "The committee wish to express their concern that the change of use of the store may cause additional traffic when the fishermen move from the boats to the store.

"The committee are also concerned about the potential of odours to emanate from the store and that the loss of the store will lead to equipment that has previously been kept in it being relocated to the Cobb itself - causing an eyesore and potentially causing a hazard to pedestrians.

"The plans also show no indication of drainage - which the committee feel is necessary."

West Dorset District Council were unable to say what specifically was delaying the process - but said discussions with the Blue Marine Foundation to find an 'acceptable solution' were continuing.

David Brown, head of assets and infrastructure at West Dorset District Council, said: “Discussions with Blue Marine with regard to the installation of a fisherman’s ice store at Lyme Regis are still ongoing.

“Issues which had not originally been anticipated have led, over the process, to a number of proposed locations being unacceptable to either the council or Blue Marine.

“Council officers are working with Blue Marine to find an acceptable solution. Any decisions that have been taken have been collaborative.”