PLANS to build a convenience store on the site of a pub have sparked concern among Southbourne residents.

Proposals to build a Co-op shop immediately behind the Athelstan Arms Pub, in Cranleigh Road, have been submitted to Bournemouth council.

Site owners NewRiver Retail and the Co-operative have given assurances that the pub will remain open and said the addition of a grocery shop would help secure its future.

But residents have questioned the need for another Co-op in the area.

There is already a Co-op in Cranleigh Road and another in Tuckton Road, both of which the Co-operative Food says will remain open.

East Southbourne and Tuckton councillor Rob Lawton said: “My immediate reaction was ‘Why do they need another one?’ There is a Co-op and a Tesco Express just around the corner. I am concerned this will cause an increase in traffic and personally I don’t think it’s a good location for a convenience store.

“All the shops are in Tuckton high street, it doesn’t seem to make sense to have a shop here where there is a pub but nothing else.”

The plans have already started to spark letters of objection from residents. James Ivin, of Athelstan Road, said: “Tuckton high street is just a few minutes’ walk away which includes a Co-op as does Cranleigh Road, so we feel we are well catered for.

“It would therefore be completely unnecessary to provide another Co-op or shop of any kind as we, and the surrounding area, already have all we need within a close range.”

A spokesman for NewRiver Retail said: “We have submitted a planning application to Bournemouth Borough Council to provide a modern convenience store on land adjacent to The Athelstan Arms and which involves the removal of some ancillary buildings.

“The continued operation of the pub is unaffected and we have taken steps to inform the local community about the proposal through the delivery of a letter.”