THE owner of a controversial Bournemouth pole-dancing establishment threatened with council enforcement action for breaching its planning conditions has applied for retrospective change of use for the building.

Richard Carr's Wiggle Supper Rooms, in Old Christchurch Road, already has planning permission as a restaurant, but has now applied for permission to add live entertainment.

Bournemouth Borough Council's planning board will consider the application at its next meeting in September.

The move comes as a result of a meeting between planning officers and Mr Carr last month, after councillors concluded enforcement action was appropriate on three grounds the use of the premises, the opening hours and the number of covers in the restaurant.

They decided to wait until they met with Mr Carr before taking any enforcement action.

A council spokesperson said: "Following a meeting with Mr Carr and his advisors, a planning application has been submitted.

"The application submitted deals with the outstanding matters and includes a change of use.

"In light of the application, the council is reviewing any possible enforcement action."

Wiggle caused a storm of controversy when it opened on June 30, featuring topless pole-dancing displays and private dances.

Mr Carr has consistently denied rumours he intended to turn Bournemouth's old register office into a pole-dancing club.

He initially reassured residents there would be "no live dancing of any description" at Wiggle and later said it would be "Bournemouth's version of the Moulin Rouge."

Mr Carr is a well-known Bournemouth businessman.

His Future 3000 PLC also owns Bliss and Toko bars in Bournemouth, as well as Oyster Quay and Mint on Poole Quay.