A CHRISTCHURCH wine bar has been granted official permission to operate by an appeal inspector.

Bodega, in Wick Lane opened last year despite being refused planning permission by Christchurch Borough Council.

However, the thriving venue, which used to be a sweet shop, was able to continue operating thanks to a legislative loophole, which allowed them a change of use from a retail premises to a bar for two years without planning permission.

Residents had complained to the council over concerns about increased noise. And although planning officers had recommended the scheme for approval - along with 46 letters of support - members of the committee chose to go against that.

The bar has since been voted the best venue by visitors to the Christchurch Food Festival and has been named in the Observer Readers Choice Top 25 Bars UK.

Planning inspector Nick Fagan said in his report: "I note that there were a number of objections from residential neighbours, including several in the Old Sorting Office and the occupiers of three of the dwellings in Priory View Court.

"These objections spell out that the appellant has breached the terms of its license by playing live music, serving alcohol on the street outside the front of the premises, and placing benches outside allowing patrons to sit and drink there, and that this has contributed to noise and disturbance late at night detrimental to residents' living conditions."

The report says the council's environmental health teams were also contacted.

However, it also states: "But many of the issues raised do not appear to relate specifically to Bodega; many relate to the Thomas Tripp or drinking establishments in general or to issues of general parking and servicing in what residents consider to be a narrow lane."

Mr Fagan imposes a number of conditions on the permission including opening hours from 10am until 11pm Monday to Thursday, Sundays and Bank Holidays and 10am-midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.

No deliveries or rubbish collection should take place between 10pm and 7am and no outside seating is allowed.

Alcohol can only be sold inside the building and no music shall be played which can be heard outside the building.