CHRISTCHURCH Emporium could be granted planning permission for their business - two years after their application was submitted.

The shopping centre, which saw Molly's Den take on half the site last month, has applied for change of use to the former Mostyn's workshop.

This would see them moving over to a mixed use - including shop and retail warehouse, cafe, office and conference facilities - at the Bridge Street location.

The matter is set to be discussed by members of the council planning committee on Thursday, due to "increased level of interest".

It has been recommended for approval- but for a limited period.

A report to the planning committee says there have been four objections from the public. They raise concerns about the retrospective objection saying it is already impacting on footfall and High Street units and could harm the vitality and viability of the town centre.

The Christchurch Chamber of Trade and Commerce also objected, saying it would set a precedent for future development as the site has always been used for industrial use - not retail or cafe.

In reference to the concerns about vitality and viability, the council's town centre policy officer said the retail impact assessment submitted by the applicant is "insufficiently comprehensive".

She pinpoints various "deficiencies" in the statement and says she is concerned that "consent on the site could enable another retailer to occupy the site which could have an unacceptable retail impact on the town centre."

In January this year, the council claimed they were still waiting for outstanding information, but hoped to make a decision "in early 2017".

Previously they recommended the proposal for the old Mostyn's factory in Bridge Street should not get planning permission.

Now, however, they want to see the scheme approved but only for two years.

Permission would expire on May 31, 2019 and the land and building restored to its previous use to prevent uncontrolled retail use of the land.