A RECENTLY-opened pizza restaurant is arguing that it does not need planning permission to operate in a former store.

Town centre pizzeria Franco Manca, part of a chain, is already operating from the former menswear section of the Debenhams store in Bournemouth Square, one of many restaurants which have opened in former retail space over the past couple of years.

However it is currently operating without authorisation as the unit still has a retail use.

Borough planning board chairman David Kelsey said the firm is currently negotiating with council officers, and is arguing that its current usage is authorised as an "ancillary" use to the store.

"There is a discussion going on between officers and the company," he said.

This is the same permission under which the Debenhams café operates.

However, there is doubt over whether the restaurant can claim this usage when it has a separate entrance to the store and is open at different times.

The restaurant's existing external seating area is also unauthorised, and it has recently submitted a planning application to retain its seating beneath the Debenhams canopy.

Franco Manca has submitted a second application for a separate external seating area in the Square, with five tables, each with four chairs, on the opposite side of the pavement.

This scheme was refused by council officers, using delegated powers.

A report by planning officer Emma Patchell says: "The proposed external seating area will cause a significant impediment to passing pedestrians and cyclists.

"Furthermore, the use of the remote seating area for restaurant dining is impractical for waiting tables/serving food and drink which is likely to give rise to an unacceptable conflict between waiting staff and passing pedestrians and cyclists compromising their safety."