Residents can't digest planned Vancouver beach bistro

The Vancouver Park Board's plan to replace anold concession stand at English Bay with a new bistro-style restaurant is running into opposition from some local residents.

The change is part of the board's long-term plan to get out of the food services business.

However, the West End Residents Association complains that there haven't been any real public consultations on the project at the popular beachnear the corner of Denman andDavie Streets.

Aaron Jasper says the board can't just adopt a blanket policy to do away with beach concessions, saying they should beconsulting the public on a "neighbourhood to neighbourhood basis."

Heather Holden, chair of the park board,says that will happen in this case, and critics will havea chance to be heard during the development permit process.

"We're very interested in hearing what the community has to say about the restaurant proposed at the foot of Denman, and we're listening to the concerns."

Holden says if there is strong public opposition to the proposed English Bay restaurant, the board may reconsiderits plans.

This is the second time the board has been hit by controversy overa decision to allow a restaurant at a Vancouver beach.

One opened at Kits Beach last year, and residents of the Kits Point neighbourhood have raised concerns over increased traffic and noise.