PLANS to create a flat by converting part of a popular Bournemouth beauty salon have been approved, despite objections.

MHH Poole Ltd intends to convert the rear rooms of Butterfly Nails & Beauty at 9 East Howe Lane into a home, and has been cleared to proceed by Bournemouth council under permitted development rights.

According to a report by planning officer Tom Hubbard the proposal received 11 objections "from customers or staff of this business" concerned about its future.

One letter, from Emma Dilworth, states: "I object mainly because this is my business and I don’t want to lose it, but also it’s a well maintained row of shops which will look silly with a flat in the middle."

And Sarah Davies of Knyveton Road, Bournemouth, said: "I am a customer of Butterfly Nails and Beauty, which is a fantastic business that is an asset to the local community.

"They have built up a good customer base in the area and many customers would be lost if the business had to move.

"Small businesses need to be supported not pushed out for yet more flats."

However, council officers concluded that "it is important to note that the proposal would not result in the loss of the whole unit, only the rear element", and that the objections could not prevent the applicant exercising their permitted development rights.