A DECISION over whether to grant a licence for a new micropub in Ashley Cross will be the first made by councillors of the new Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council.

Former 7Bone Burger Co shareholder Rich Zammit said he wanted the new pub to sell “premium quality craft beers” from the former Barclays building and to be an “active contributor” to the community.

However, letters of objection have been submitted by neighbours, including a former council leader, about their fears of the potential for antisocial behaviour and noise nuisance from patrons of the Bournemouth Road premises.

In his application, Mr Zammit said: “Given the nature of our product and offering, we expect that our customers will be of good standing from the local community and surrounding areas and we hope many will become regular customers that we get to know personally."

He added: "We will focus on becoming an active contributor to the Ashley Cross community and culture which we hope will add value for its residents and our neighbours.”

Despite his assurances, four letters of objection calling for the application to be refused have been submitted by people living in Bournemouth Road.

Among them is former Poole council leader, Elaine Atkinson, who said there was already a “saturation” of places for late-night drinking in the area.

“We are often disturbed by noise in the street from taxis and food outlets and anti-social behaviour is happening again,” she said.

“I feel too threatened and intimidated to walk to the local shop at the top of Post Office parade because of intoxicated people and beggars.”

Mr and Mrs Jones of Springfield Road said there was already “unruly” behaviour in the area.

Planning permission for the micropub was narrowly granted by Poole council in January.

The licence application will be considered by members of Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council’s licensing sub-committee on Wednesday – the first meeting of the new authority since its formation at the beginning of the month.

The application will be considered by three members of the former Poole council – Cllrs David Brown, Xena Dion and Andy Garner-Watts.

If approved, the licence would allow the micropub to show films, host music and sell alcohol until 12.30am most days with a later 1.30am for bank holidays.