A NEW micropub in Poole is seeking a licence after planning permission was granted for the premises.

A formerly vacant shop in the Old Town area of the High Street is being converted into a micropub by Polpette Ltd.

The company runs the Baffi pizza restaurants in Bournemouth and Poole.

It has applied to Poole council for a premises licence to supply alcohol from 11am-11pm, Monday to Sunday.

In December 2016, the council granted planning permission for the 16th century townhouse, which formerly housed clothes store In Tide, to be converted into a micropub.

It will be the second of its kind in the area, joining nearby Drift on Poole Quay.

Acting on behalf of the applicant, property managers Ellis & Partners said in a design and access statement: “The scheme will provide a diverse and unique A4 unit to the area, encouraging tourism and night-time footfall. The loss of an existing retail unit is not deemed to be negative in this area as alternative units are available.”

Although the micropub will be situated in the Old Town Conservation Area, also known as the Town Centre Heritage Area, no alteration is being made to the High Street elevation of the building, with internal alterations being made at the ground floor level only, and the installation of a cellar area and an additional toilet to the rear of the building.

Work is yet to be completed at the site.

Chair of Poole Town Centre BID, Jonathan Sibbett said: "We are delighted to see another diverse addition to our town.

"We wish them every success."

Plans to build flats and a restaurant opposite the site of the micropub were submitted to the council last month.

If approved, the building formerly occupied by fruiterer and greengrocer F Dibbens & Sons would be demolished and and replaced with 38 flats and a restaurant.