THE vacant premises of a long-standing Christchurch business could be taken over by the owners of Kelly’s Kitchen.

Terry and Rose Kelly have submitted an application to Christchurch Borough Council to alter the inside of the former Jarvis Radio store, which is within 50 metres of their existing premises next door to the library.

The café has agreed to move out of its building by March following a long-fought battle with Dorset County Council to try and stay at its current location.

Dorset County Council plans to extend the library into the restaurant with work due to finish by February 2013.

Jarvis Radio, one of the longest running businesses in the town, shut up shop in June after 67 years’ trading in the High Street.

The application includes a change of use, external alterations including a new roof lantern, extraction system and outside seating area at the rear.

James Cain, agent for Kelly’s, said the five parking spaces at the rear of the building would be used as an outside seating area.

He said: “Given that Kelly’s Kitchen has operated successfully from within the town centre and is a very well-known local business, it is an integral part of the existing retail and commercial function of the High Street which has contributed greatly to the town’s vitality and viability over the last 19 years.

“The retention of a vibrant A3 (restaurant) use should be afforded great weight in these circumstances as such uses contribute to the footfall of the High Street.

“There can be no doubt that Kelly’s Kitchen has attracted people to Christchurch that would otherwise not visit and this knock-on effect to other businesses in the High Street is a key consideration.

“A good many patrons of Kelly’s Kitchen are elderly and the relocation of the business would enable those persons to continue to visit the town centre given the bus links and service.”

The move would also retain the 10 full time jobs at the café.