A PROPOSED new cafe that would sell alcohol at a Christchurch parade of shops has been granted a premises licence.

The application from the proprietors of The Bunker Cafe to occupy the empty unit on Marlow Drive was approved by Christchurch Borough Council’s licensing sub-committee.

There were concerns over noise and anti-social behaviour issues which were highlighted at the meeting by St Catherine’s Hill and Hurn ward councillor Sue Spittle.

The applicants, Kate Green and Amanda Eames, sought permission for on and off sales of alcohol between 8.30am and 10.45pm Monday to Saturdays, and 10:00am to 8.45pm on Sundays, with extended hours on New Year’s Eve until 12.45am.

Addressing the sub-committee on behalf of the applicants, solicitor Philip Day attempted to reassure members over the proposed sale times.

He said the applicants hoped to carry out sessions, such as wine tasting in the evening, where customers could buy a bottle of wine to take home if desired.

“Bearing in mind there is nothing like this in the near locality it is going to be demand led and once they open the doors they see what customers they have, at what time of day, they won’t know,” Mr Day said.

“In the first instance the plan is to open until 9pm on weekdays, closing earlier on Sundays and that is reflected in the application, but possibly remaining open until 11pm at night if demand warrants it. “

A separate change of use application from hairdressers to cafe has also been submitted to Christchurch Borough Council’s planning department and is currently being considered.

Several representations to the premises licence application raised concerns over the sale of alcohol, however Mr Day said there was no evidence to suggest there was going to be any problems.

“It is intended to be a facility very much for the local area and the local community,” he added.

“The last thing Mrs Eames and Mrs Green want to do is upset their neighbours who they will be looking at and for the successful prosperity of this business.

“We entirely accept the concerns that local residents have are genuinely held, that goes without saying and we respect that.”

Councillor Spittle, who has lived within walking distance of the parade of shops for 41 years, said: “There is a lot of interest and probable support in this new venture on the site of the former hairdressers, without even seeing their proposed menus.

“There is no licensed eatery nearby. The nearest being either the Railway Hotel on the corner of Stour Road and Bargates, the Avon Causeway far beyond the other side of St Catherine’s Hill and Town Common, or the Stourvale in Barrack Road.”

After consideration, the sub-committee approved the licence as applied for.