A PLANNING application for the Caddy Shack café to reopen in its original shipping container at Weymouth and Portland Rugby Club has been supported by councillors.

At a meeting of Weymouth Town Council's planning and licensing committee on Tuesday, February 27, members voted to support plans for the popular café to once more be based outside the sports club on Monmouth Road.

The Caddy Shack Café was forced to close on Sunday, December 11, after it was refused planning consent to become a permanent fixture.

Following an influx of local support on an online petition to save the Caddy Shack, owner Emma Ayles became inspired to try and reopen the café.

READ MORE: Upset after Caddy Shack in Weymouth is closed down

A few neighbours had complained of noise and smell from the converted shipping container – although the café was popular with dog walkers and others who used it on a regular basis.

The Caddy Shack reopened inside Weymouth and Portland Rugby Club on February 7 but suffered an early setback with a break-in overnight on February 10.

The latest application asks to site the converted shipping container, and associated seating, 75 metres east of the current site, closer to the rugby clubhouse with a new, flat roofed, enclosed seating area being created.

READ MORE: New plan to bring back popular café after thousands sign petition

In the plans, a section of the rugby club car park will be changed to a new café with a seating area.

The outdoor seating will now be moved four metres away from the clubhouse, next to the shack and further away from the houses.

Committee members gave their support to the new plans, which they believe addressed the concerns which had been raised by neighbours.

Cllr Luke Wakeling said: "My understanding is the plan is to relocate back from the houses. On that grounds, I think we should support it this time."

Cllr Jon Orrell added: "I can't see it is that much of a problem in the area, I would like to be able to support it."

Cllr Young said: "I would like to support it as well, it was a very popular resource, it wold be a shame if it didn't come back, they have moved it back a bit, that would seem to solve the problem."

The proposal was supported unanimously by committee members and the final decision will now be made by Dorset Council.