PLANS to create a brasserie-style restaurant in Southbourne have received a flood of letters.

The scheme would see the new eatery open in the former Subway unit in Southbourne Grove, and it has been recommended for approval by council planning officers.

More than 100 letters backing the scheme have been submitted to the council, citing the "increased diversity" of restaurant choice and praising the "very professional" operator.

However the bid has received 45 letters of objection, and must therefore be discussed by councillors on the planning board.

Expressed concerns include the "detrimental impact on existing food and drink uses" and concern over the addition of new bars and restaurants to the area.

The report by council officer Julie Allington says: "It is not considered that the proposed change of this unit to a restaurant would result in a detrimental impact on the retail offer within the parade or an over-concentration or restaurant uses."

The council also says its environmental officers have no concerns.

The board will discuss the scheme on Monday, March 18.