BCP Council has rejected plans for a tourist attraction in Bournemouth to stay for an extra two years – despite admitting it has been a “success to the local economy”.

The Upside Down House in Bournemouth’s Lower Gardens, by Pier Approach, applied to BCP Council to stay on the site for an additional 24 months, but the authority has rejected the idea.

In a report explaining the decision, planning officer Steve Davies said: “There has been strong support from tourism and BH Life and clearly it has been a success to the local economy.”

Upside Down House, next to Pier Approach (Image: Daily Echo)

He added: “The continued siting of the upside-down house and associated equipment, by reason of its size, bulk, design, height and prominent position, would form an overly intrusive and visually dominant installation that would be harmful to the setting, character and appearance of the area and in particular the Pavilion listed building.

“The council accepted a limited period with the previous consent but consider that a further 24 months would be unreasonable for what was intended to be a temporary feature.

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“To my mind its continuing presence will make it more prosaic and its continuing position blocking the view of the historic listed Pavilion makes it less interesting and seen more as an uncomfortable oddity on the Terrace.”

The house has been here before at The Triangle (Image: BNPS)

He also added that Upside Down House UK, the company behind the house, “did not take the opportunity to enter into pre-application discussions”.

A spokeswoman from Upside Down House UK said: “Upside Down House UK is working closely with its planning consultant, Chapman Lily Planning, following the standard processes of extending planning permission for its current location.

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“The Upside Down House in Bournemouth has proven to be a popular and enduring attraction for visitors and residents, welcoming about 70,000 people since April.

“The attraction draws footfall to the area which benefits the neighbouring retail and hospitality businesses, and tourism to Bournemouth.

“We also work closely with local stakeholders, and support charity Hope for Food who do incredible work helping the vulnerable.”