PLANS to open another cafe in Christchurch are set be approved despite a petition signed by 100 residents objecting to the scheme.

Chain Coffee#1 is seeking permission to change the use of the unit in High Street, which most recently operated as Shoe Zone.

Members of Christchurch Borough Council’s planning committee will assess the application at a meeting on Thursday, November 8.

The petition from Mike Ismail, who owns Baggies cafe in Christchurch, claims there is already too many food outlets in the town.

Cllr David Jones, chairman of the planning committee, called the proposal in after the 100-signature motion was referred to him.

He says the application raises “material planning issues” that have not previously been considered in the borough.

However, a report from planning officer Melanie Smith is recommending approval of the scheme.

“The scheme will provide economic benefits in terms of the jobs created,” Ms Smith’s report says.

“An assessment of the merits of the application has not revealed an overriding harm to the vitality and viability of the town centre as a result of the proposals and in fact it is considered preferable to re-use a long standing vacant unit as this will provide vibrancy and an active frontage in the centre of the primary shopping frontage.”

Alongside Mr Ismail’s petition, 14 other residents submitted objections, with one writing in to support the development.

Mr Ismail said having so many food businesses in a town the size of Christchurch was “crazy”.

“I work every single day bar Christmas Day and New Year’s Day to keep my business running,” he said.

“The council knows businesses are struggling, but there does not seem to be anything being done to support us.”

Coffee#1, which has branches in Winton and Southbourne, has proposed opening hours of 7am to 7pm on Monday to Saturday and 8am to 6pm on Sunday.

A statement submitted on behalf of the applicants by Boyer planning consultants, says the change of use had numerous benefits.

It says: “(These include) improving footfall in the shopping area, adding to the vitality and viability of the town centre, encouraging consumers to remain longer in the shopping area, providing a venue for social interaction, creating jobs and long-term investment in Christchurch.”