PLANS for a 'healthy' chicken takeaway in Exeter Road have been submitted to Bournemouth Council.

The proposal is for a change of use which would see the existing takeaway, The Ship Wreck, turned into a chicken shop.

The application has come from Charlies Chicken, who already have premises in Broadstone, Parkstone and Kinson.

The current premises has a licence to sell alcohol until 12.30am.

A statement with the application said: "This area of the town centre has however been saturated by the influx of restaurants and bars in the new complex known as BH2.

"The impact on local businesses in the same trade has inevitably been severe.

"The current operation has been operating to survive by serving alcohol and allowing an ancillary amount of food to be eaten on and off the premises, with a natural tendency for food to be taken off the premises later into the evening.

"The new proprietor will introduce a healthier menu of food and will also relinquish the current liquor licence to bring a true alternative to this part of the town centre."

The operator plans to sign a ten year lease.

The statement adds: "By removing the sale of alcohol from the premises, it would be considered to improve upon the current relationship with neighbouring residents as customers would not be served alcohol (therefore not having "prinks" (pre-drinks) before going onto a bar out or "topping up" if eating after or during an evening out."

It also warns that the 'last thing the town needs is a long time vacant unit'.