A DATE has been set for a planning inquiry into whether a pizza restaurant in Ringwood can continue to operate.

Rominos in Ringwood applied to New Forest District Council earlier this year for a lawful use certificate to enable them to use the premises in the High Street as a restaurant and takeaway.

But planners refused to grant the permission, saying there was not enough evidence the current use had been in continued operation for more than 10 years.

This was despite an initial briefing from the case officer stating it was understood the previous business had sold hot and cold food for more than 10 years.

An appeal statement from the restaurant's agent, David Ramsey Licensing Consultant, said: "The basis for this appeal is the apparent lack of local knowledge and understanding by New Forest District Council as to not only the past 30-40 years use whilst The Granary (was operating) but also the current use of the premises now known as ‘Rominos Pizza’.

"Prior to the submission of this application, enquiries were made with New Forest District Council planning department to establish the past and current classification of the premises that had been run as a bakery, hot and cold food takeaway and a ‘sit in’ restaurant for many years.

"There has been no structural change to the premises and the operation, although with a Mediterranean menu still has the same seated restaurant area for customers."

It adds: "We believe that from the outset New Forest District Council had taken the opinion that as the premises had changed from a premises serving traditional British food to Rominos Pizza (not a kebab shop) serving Mediterranean food that it automatically became purely an A5 takeaway, this belief being confirmed by the wording of the decision notice."

The inquiry is due to take place on February 6.