Floating seating in Gloucester Docks has been refused due to concerns about noise and fumes.

The Boat Cafe wanted to boost business by installing a pontoon alongside the narrowboat which is docked outside the Barge Arm.

The application attracted 40 comments from residents, many of them positive, saying the "quirky" small business should be supported to boost revenue as it was an asset to the docks.

However, concerns were raised about it attracting drunks and unwanted behaviour at night, noise and fumes from an associated generator, litter and customers being able to peer into nearby homes.

The Board of Directors of the Gloucester Docks Estate Co Ltd (GDECL) was among those who objected.

In its application Cafe Boats Ltd said it had pivoted from their original idea to create a seating area with three tables on the dockside because of an "ongoing dispute" with GDECL.

Instead it sought permission for 36 seats and 18 tables on the pontoon and seating for 12 people on the boat rooftop, with parasols and plant installations along the balustrades.

"This development is essential for the sustainable long-term operation of The Boat Cafe," said a supporting statement."

It originally operated as The Cafe on the Cut in 2013 before upgrading to a larger boat in 2024.

It is the only permanent water-based business currently operating in Gloucester Docks, and said the business reinforced the "historic use of the docks for commercial activity".

The proposal would "maintain and strengthen the unique character of the area while promoting tourism and local business growth."

It later revised the plans to remove the roof seating.

However, Cheltenham Borough Council bosses decided the proposal was still not acceptable.

They said noise from the unenclosed seating would be "harmful to the residential amenity of the occupiers of the Barge Arm".

The plans were refused on Tuesday, October 14 by delegated decision.