A VICTORIAN-style food unit planned for Clevedon seafront near its historic pier has been rejected.

North Somerset Council's planning and regulatory licensing sub-committee refused to grant Colin Beresford-Slinnn a licence to sell hot and cold food from a trailer in parking bays opposite Alexandra Road after deciding there was already a sufficient number of food outlets.

Mr Beresford-Slinn, 54, who was the landlord of Campbell's Landing public house until last year, said he wanted to offer a service seven days a week from 8am-9pm, which he felt was not already catered for along The Beach, to the people of Clevedon and those visiting the town, and rejected comments that it was a "burger van".

He said: "It is not a burger van or greasy spoon, as some have suggested.

"I want to offer people food such as cockles and whelks, fresh porlock and mackerel, noodles and roasted chestnuts in a catering unit with a Victorian facade, sympathetic to the area."

He said he had 100 signatures from people visiting the town in support of his proposals.

No objections were raised from the police, Avon Fire & Rescue, the Food, Health and Safety or Environmental departments or the Highways department although it was acknowledged parking spaces were heavily used.

But more than 22 traders and residents strongly objected to the proposals, stating such a unit was not appropriate in a conservation area, there were already enough cafes and restaurants in the area, there would be a loss of parking caused by the trailer being parked in spaces along The Beach and there were unsatisfactory toilet and hygiene facilities.

There were also concerns about an increase of rubbish and noise.

Clevedon Town Council also objected to the plans stating it felt the site was inappropriate.

Councillor Carole Wring, who represents north ward, which includes The Beach, said: "This is one of Clevedon's most important heritage area's and is right next to the only Grade I-listed pier in the country and a national monument."

Pier mistress Linda Strong, who spoke on behalf of the pier and the trustees, said: "Our fear is that the unit, if granted, would be within a few feet of the pier and we wish to defend the pier and its listed status."

Bob Garner, district councillor for Clevedon, said: "There is no obvious demand for this service and although there are two public houses nearby, both of these have integral restaurants and there are two cafes/tearooms nearby, one opposite on the corner of Alexandra Road and The Beach and the others a short distance away from the beach."

Clevedon Civic Society raised concerns about the loss of parking spaces. A letter of objection said: "Two valuable parking spaces would be lost on a permanent basis to visitors to The Beach or the Pier. These spaces are at a premium during the season and should not be sacrificed.

"These spaces could be far better used as disabled bays."

Speaking after the meeting, Mr Beresford-Slinn said he was disappointed at the decision.