AN INTERNATIONAL kebab chain has had its proposals to open into the early hours of the morning seven days a week in Bournemouth town centre refused.

Members of Bournemouth council’s licensing sub-committee made the decision at a meeting on Tuesday which was not attended by any representative of German Doner Kebab, a move which was described as “unusual” and “regrettable” by its chairman.

The firm runs more than 20 kebab restaurants across the UK and had applied for late-night openings at the former Jamrock Café premises in Old Christchurch Road.

Submitted in September, its plans sought permission to open from 11pm-3am every day however, last week it lodged amended proposals which would have seen it close at 1.30am three days a week.

Despite being described as “a step in the right direction”, residents living directly above the restaurant building objected to the application saying that it would increase levels of disturbance.

Speaking at Tuesday’s meeting, Richard Catling, who owns three of the flats, said that his tenants expected some degree of noise living in the area but that a 3am closing time would cause them “huge issues”.

“Looking at the premises serving alcohol in the immediate area, the latest advertised closing time is 1.30am,” he said.

“The granting of this licence to 3am will only encourage people to remain in the area.

“This outlet is within a cumulative stress area and I feel that if this application is successful, it will add greatly to the impact on the area.”

The sub-committee reiterated the concerns raised by Mr Catling and refused the application after criticising the “disappointing” decision for no representative of the chain to attend the meeting.

It chairman, Cllr Andrew Morgan, said: “We feel that the applicant has failed to consider the impact on the cumulative impact area.

“We also take the points about the likely impact and are refusing this licence.”

Speaking after the meeting, Mr Catling said he was “very pleased” with the council’s decision and that it will avoid creating additional disruption to his tenants.