PLANS for a beauty salon in a Bournemouth shopping parade have won approval from civic chiefs despite almost 100 objections from local residents.

The proposals to transform a vacant shop unit at New Parade on Hill View Road, Redhill, into a salon offering alternative therapies including massage, yoga and ear candling sparked a wave of protest from objectors and a petition containing 91 signatures.

But planning officer Tom Hubbard still recommended that the scheme should be approved.

In a report to the borough’s planning board he said: “Alternatives to traditional retail shop uses are now common in local shopping parades and draw others to the area. It is therefore considered that the proposed use would maintain the vitality and viability of this local shopping parade.”

Applicant Paul Harrison said he was willing to forego offering customers nail treatments which might overlap with a neighbouring hairdressing salon.

Council leader Peter Charon stressed that the unit already had permission to be turned into a tattoo parlour, adding: “My concern is that if we refuse this we would lose on appeal and be exposed to costs.”

Ward councillor Sue Levell told the meeting: “The vitality of this shopping parade is paramount” while planning board member and local councillor Roger West said: “It is the only really thriving shopping parading in the borough. I don’t like any shop to be empty.”

A move to grant permission for the scheme by Cllr West, which was seconded by Cllr Elaine Cooper, was carried unanimously.