THE owners of a bar in Charminster will find out on Wednesday whether it can open a new outdoor area.

South Coast Hospitality, which runs The Tipsy Cow in Charminster Road, has applied for permission to use a new enclosed outdoor area for customers.

But objections from people living behind the bar means final approval will need to be given by members of a BCP Council licensing sub-committee which meets on Wednesday (August 12).

Named “The Cowshed”, the new outdoor extension at the back of the building has been constructed to compensate for space lost through the introduction of coronavirus social distancing measures.

The open air area would accommodate 16 extra diners and has been built on car parking spaces.

In a letter to neighbours, the bar’s owner said it would purely be an area for eating and would “massively increase security” in the “grotty” alleyway at its rear.

“It’s an essential part of our business plan for the year ahead, particularly in light of the limitations placed on all of us due to the Covid-19 outbreak and allows the business to continue to develop as a restaurant rather than a bar,” it said.

Should the extension of its licence application be approved, the area could be used until 11pm.

But four people have written to the council opposing the move, raising concerns about a potential increase in nuisance and anti-social behaviour issues.

“Whilst we wish for them, and all the businesses in our area, a successful reopening post-lockdown, we do not wish for this area to be given the green light to go ahead and create such a nuisance and disturbance to our home life and that of the families surrounding us,” Leanne Hoskins said.

“Charminster is a vibrant area but this level of intrusion and disturbance is not welcome.”

As a result of the objections, a decision on whether or not to extend the licence of the existing bar to cover the new outdoor area will be made by councillors when they meet on Wednesday.