No-go to shipping container pop-up

Plans for a restaurant in a shipping container on Picton foreshore have been sunk by a council broadside to protect ‘‘one of Marlborough’s special open spaces’’.

A Marlborough District Council spokesman confirmed a private developer had asked to set up a ‘‘container restaurant’’ at the council-owned foreshore in September, but was declined, as restaurants were not a ‘‘permitted activity’’ in the reserve.

Documents show the proposal was discussed at a private council meeting.

‘‘The only commercial leases permitted [on the foreshore] currently are those which complement the open, reserve experience,’’ the spokesman said.

‘‘The foreshore is one of Marlborough’s special open spaces to be preserved and enhanced to ensure its enjoyment for future generations.’’

The foreshore has a mini-golf course, a playground and waterplay area, and the Picton Community Museum.

It’s governed by a reserve management plan and an urban development strategy. The council decided it would upgrade Picton’s decade-old strategy for $200,000 earlier this year, as part of its 2019-20 annual plan.

In future, development proposals for the foreshore needed to align with ‘‘whatever direction the new Picton strategy confirmed’’, the spokesman said. He would not reveal the identity of the private developer.

Picton business owners were divided over the container restaurant.

Seabreeze Cafe and Bar owner Jules Terry said he was ‘‘not for it at all’’. ‘‘I don’t want a shipping container sitting on the foreshore.’’

He was concerned the restaurant would have opened in summer, during the tourist season, but not in winter, which was tougher on businesses.

‘‘Besides, if it had been