A CELEBRITY chef’s gastro pub chain looks set to take on a vacant premises in Highcliffe.

Raymond Blanc’s White Brasserie have submitted a planning application for The Galleon in Lymington Road, which has been closed since spring last year.

Residents had speculated several potential uses for the site, including knocking down the existing building for a block of flats.

However, the proposals from the chain confirm the premises could reopen and with a new name.

The application, which has been submitted to Christchurch Borough Council, includes a series of new signs and reveals the pub will be rebranded as The Oaks.

Mr Blanc launched White Brasserie in 2014 after the expansion of his established Brasserie Blanc restaurant chain.

Chef and chairman of Highcliffe Food Festival Mary Reader, who has worked with Mr Blanc, said: “We would be delighted to have a White Brasserie opening in Highcliffe.

“Having worked so hard over the past five years to develop the food festival in Highcliffe, it was sad to see the demise of The Galleon.

“However this is a wonderful opportunity to bring someone of that calibre to the village. I am sure it will be extremely popular.

“The more quality we have in the village the more people will be attracted to come here. It is a boost for the food festival and hopefully they will want to be involved.”

White Brasserie currently operates 17 pubs in England. The majority of these are located in and around London.

The business’ website says: “Our pubs are warm and welcoming with a unique combination of a traditional pub serving French brasserie food with an English twist. Something a little different, somewhere reassuringly familiar.”

In 2016, White Brasserie was named the Pub Company of the Year in the national Restaurant R200 Awards.

The plans for the new pub in Highcliffe have been backed by other members of the community.

Jane Dean, communications officer for Highcliffe Action Team, added: “This is great news for Highcliffe on so many levels and it shows positive growth for our village.

“We know that Highcliffe is a lovely place to live and we already have a vibrant mix of cafes and eateries, but it will be lovely to enjoy a little taste of France in our corner of the world.”

The application to the council details a series of advertising signs and boards, which require planning permission.

No details are included on when the establishment could open. Comments can be made on the new signage up until February 1.