COUNCILLORS are being recommended to grant permission for the conversion of a former bank building in Ashley Cross into a micropub.

Members of Poole council’s planning committee will decide whether to give the go-ahead for a change of use for the Barclays building in Bournemouth Road which has been empty for more than a year.

However, planners have recommended that they grant planning permission saying that the proposals “would not materially harm” the character of the area or residents.

Submitted by 7Bone Burger Co shareholder Richard Zammit, the application seeks permission to establish a micropub called Crazy Camel which a planning statement, submitted with the application, says would be an “alternative” to mainstream pubs.

If approved, the micropub would open until 11pm on weekdays and midnight at weekends.

“The premises will operate throughout the day but it is expected that evenings will see them bringing clientele to the area to the mutual benefit of The Crazy Camel and other leisure establishments,” the owners agent Paul Ashton Ltd said.

“The pub will serve only light snacks and will complement other restaurant and food establishments in the area.

“Beers offered will be premium craft ales, which provide an alternative to many mainstream pub offerings.”

One letter of objection has been submitted to the proposals, raising concerns about the opening hours and potential noise issues.

However, Poole council planning officers have recommended that councillors approve the application when it is considered at Thursday’s meeting.

“The proposed micropub would be located within the busy commercial environment of the Ashley Cross local centre on a part of Bournemouth Road that already accommodated a takeaway shop and pubs which open late at night,” case officer Dominika Gec says in a report to the committee.

“Taking into account the small floor area of the premises and the proposed opening hours, the proposal would not, either by itself or in combination with existing similar uses, materially harm the character of the area or the amenities of nearby residents.”