A BOSCOMBE pub which closed after noise complaints will be converted into a block of flats if plans are approved.

The Portman Hotel, in Ashley Road, has been mired in controversy in recent years with some neighbours complaining about loud parties going on late into the night, and a job advert issued online for a 'topless barmaid'.

In December last year owner Marston's Brewery ended a four year tenancy - a spokesman saying: "We are currently recruiting for new tenants, ensuring we can get the pub open again as soon as possible."

However, according to a new application by Cherry Orchard Estates (Portman) Ltd, the pub has been marketed since with no success.

It states: "The public house can no longer be regarded as viable ongoing concern. Savills (the agent) have considered alternative forms of tenure and business models, but have concluded that the public house is very unlikely to see a revival in fortune.

"This is also demonstrated through the outcome of a concerted marketing campaign.

"It is evident that the operation of an unviable public house has contributed little to the vitality of local community, nor its amenity."

The precise 'use' status of the building has been discussed, with the council concluding it is formally a hotel, but the applicant stating it has not had this use for many year, with upstairs rooms having possibly been used as unauthorised accommodation.

Under the plans the Victorian 'railway station hotel' will be partially demolished, extended and altered to create a block of 23 flats and a separate two-bedroom house, with 19 parking spaces in total.

The flats would comprise three studios, 15 one-bed and five two-bed.

Ward councillor and planning board member Philip Stanley-Watts said: "There have been a lot of complaints from residents about antisocial behaviour at the building, probably connected with the massive coal yard site opposite which attracts rough sleepers.

"The building is part of the heritage of the area and I would like to see it restored. I would welcome housing there. But I think a lot of people miss the pub.

"We will have to see."

In 2016 the pub was served with a Noise Abatement Notice by the council and was temporarily closed.

It came several months after the topless barmaid row, which saw the brewery claim it was a 'tongue-in-cheek" job advert on Facebook, but the then licensee said she was seeking to run a strip club.