A NEW tattoo studio is set to open in Christchurch town centre after a successful planning application was submitted.

The proposal to change the use of 101 Bargates from an office sui generis to allow the business to run at the site was approved by Christchurch Borough Council's planning department.

The premises has been empty for some time, having most recently been occupied by Swinton Insurance Brokers.

The application states the studio will open 10am to 6pm on Monday to Saturday, with no entry submitted for Sundays and bank holidays.

A report submitted by a planning officer says: "It is considered that the development will preserve the character and appearance of the locality and will not result in harm to the residential amenities of existing and future occupiers of neighbouring dwellings."