A “POPULAR” café has plans to open its fifth branch in Broadstone and fill a vacant convenience store unit.

Proposals have been submitted to BCP Council planning officers for approval.

The owners of Café Aroma want to open in the former McColl’s shop in Lower Blandford Road, which closed in September last year.

Ozan Celik, who is applying for the change of use, said the “family-friendly café/bistro” would provide hot and cold meals, as well as takeaway food.

“Café Aroma has become an extremely popular chain of food outlets with bistros now in Poole, Wimborne, Ringwood and Totton. They are well known for their quality food, varied menu and for being a family-friendly venue,” the application says.

No alcohol will be served at the proposed café.

A “variety of British and Mediterranean cuisine” would be served, and the café would employ four full-time and four part-time members of staff. The proposed opening hours are 7am-6pm daily.

A patio area is planned at the rear of the premises.

“To prevent any nuisance to neighbouring dwellings and businesses the area will be regularly monitored by staff members,” Café Aroma said in its application.

“The applicant has also been sensitive to the style of the shopping area in the Broadstone area, and we believe that this change of use will enhance and add to the vitality of this shopping area in this part of Poole.”

No extension to the building is planned.

“The property occupies a prominent location on one of the main shopping areas in Broadstone and was in a good state of repair and in keeping with the surrounding premises,” Café Aroma said.

“There are no alterations to the front elevation other than the change of the name of the premises. The premises will have an attractive frontage, complementary to the look of the precinct.”

One resident of Upton Way has submitted a letter to the council supporting the plans.

No objections have been received.