PLANS for a new 'micropub' in Bournemouth can go ahead after a successful appeal.

Bournemouth council had initially refused permission for the conversion of 10 Queens Road into "a small freehouse which listens to its customers, mainly serves cask ales, promotes conversation, shuns all forms of electronic entertainment and dabbles in traditional pub snacks".

Although recommended for approval by council officers, the scheme had been called in by council leader John Beesley, who said the pub usage "has been removed from the locality and its re-introduction will be a retrograde development as far as local residents and the quiet enjoyment of their homes is concerned".

However, at its latest meeting the council's planning board heard its decision had been overturned by the planning inspector.

Planning officer Simon Gould said: "The general consensus seems to be, the reason for refusal (of the board's decision) was the council were unable to provide evidence to substantiate the decision.

"Members refused the application on the basis of noise and disturbance, but the appellant thought there was a lack of evidence around that."

The planning inspector refused to award the applicant costs in the appeal, saying the council had rightly used planning policy to reach its decision.

According to Mr Gould, the inspector said councillors "were right to take an alternative view to officers providing they had sound planning reasons to do that".

Board chairman Cllr David Kelsey said: "If things do go to appeal, and everyone is entitled to, then we stand more chance of winning or at least not having costs against us if we do debate and make our decisions for the right reasons."

Mr Gould said the authority was maintaining a good success rate with appeals.

"Generally where appeals are made against decisions, whether that is at delegated level or at planning board, more often than not we are having those appeals dismissed. So we are effectively winning those."

The proposed micropub has already been granted a licence allowing it to serve alcohol until 11pm.

The site was formerly a restaurant called The Mountain, specialising in Himalayan and Gurkha cuisine.

The board also heard a public inquiry is due to take place in May examining plans for a new block of student accommodation in Oxford Road. The scheme is thought to be in conflict with the council's Lansdowne employment policy which prioritises commercial development.