Bournemouth's first YO! Sushi is a step nearer.

Last month Bournemouth council granted a change of use application to allow the chain to use the former La Senza store on Old Christchurch Road.

Council officers agreed that transforming the currently empty and boarded up unit into a restuarant would not 'significantly impact' Bournemouth's retail trade.

There are conditions - including trading hours restricted to 10.30pm on weeknights and 10pm on Sunday, a system for dealing with any restaurant smells and the provision of a system to deal with rubbish.

The report says: "The applicant has indicated that there would be a storage area within the premises for refuse and recycling short term but that they would also be utilising a communal bin store at the rear of Roddis House.

"Details of this have not been provided and therefore a condition has been added requiring these details to be submitted prior to the commencement of the use."

YO! Sushi’s planning support statement promises an “attractive and vibrant” frontage.

“It is considered that the addition of YO! Sushi taking a commercial unit that has remained vacant for a considerable number of years will positively enhance the retail vitality of this part of the town centre,” the statement said.

“A new shop frontage, signage and active use will significantly improve the appearance of the host building and the character of the conservation area street scene.”

The officers report says separate planning applications would have to be made for any change to the appearance of the unit. 

YO! Sushi have now applied for a licence to serve alcohol on site.

There are 70 YO! Sushi’s across the country - but the closest one to Bournemouth at present is in Southampton.