THE team behind a new wine bar in Christchurch town centre say they will still be opening this weekend - despite being refused planning permission.

The application to turn the former Sweets Emporium in Wick Lane into a niche wine bar called Bodega went before members of Christchurch Borough Council's planning committee on Thursday.

It had been recommended for approval having been granted a licence just a few weeks ago.

Despite this councillors voted to refuse planning permission on the grounds of "unacceptable levels of noise and anti-social behaviour having a detrimental affect on local residents".

However in the report to the committee planning officer Jo Cleaves concluded that the new premises would not result in levels of noise and disturbance that would significantly affect the amenities of the neighbouring residents.

According to a spokesman from Christchurch council a number of councillors stepped out for the vote after declaring an interest - which resulted in a 4-2 vote in favour of refusal.

However the team behind the bar, Andy Fielden and Megan Spink, say they will still be opening this weekend due to new legislation which allows them a change of use from a retail premises to a bar for two years without planning permission.

"We still very much plan to carry on with our soft opening this weekend and the open officially on Monday," said Megan.

"However we are also planning on appealing the decision because we think it's absolutely ridiculous.

"It's such a shame because everyone had been working so hard to get the place ready for opening - we were absolutely gutted when the decision was made.

"Despite obvious public support they still decided to refuse it - even going against their officers' recommendation. I'm just absolutely baffled."

Some residents had objected to the licensing application, with fears about parking, littering and public nuisance concerns.

But despite 10 objections to the planning application, there were 46 letters of support saying the bar would be 'a great and positive addition' to Christchurch.

The bar has a capacity of between 25 to 30 people and will serve limited food including cheese and other canapés, but no cooking will be undertaken at the premises.

The opening hours proposed are 10am to 11pm Monday to Thursday, Sundays and Bank Holidays, with hours on Friday and Saturday from 10am until midnight.