PERMISSION is being sought for outside seating to be installed along Kingland Crescent in Poole.

Legal & General, which owns the retail units lining the street, has submitted plans to BCP Council that would allow businesses to set up external areas for their customers.

A letter filed with its application says the scheme was part of its transformation programme for the area but had been accelerated by the pandemic.

Earlier this week Legal & General confirmed five new shops were opening in the street and that it would charge neither rent nor business rates for two years to help their success.

It said Kingland was the first step in its long-term plans for the area which will also see it invest in the neighbouring Dolphin Shopping Centre.

"We have been working closely with our owners at Legal & General to revive our high street and create a visionary shopping experience for our local communities to enjoy,” John Grinnell, who manages both, said.

And now a planning application has been submitted that would allow occupiers of any of the 130-metre stretch of Kingland Street units to set up outside seating.

“The plan for transformation of the Dolphin Centre and this area of Poole was developed before the pandemic, which has not stopped its progress, despite challenges faced by high street retailers,” a letter submitted by its planning agent Savills says.

“Covid-19 has also emphasised the need for external space for socialising and interaction, providing flexibility for consumers.”

The proposal also follows last year’s change to planning use rules which gives greater flexibility in the type of business that can operate from any unit.

It says the lay out of the seating area would be configured to allow “adequate space” for pedestrians using the route.

“The provision of external seating would add variety to Kingland Crescent and aid in the wider revitalisation process planned for the Dolphin Centre and the town centre,” the letter adds. “The street scene will be improved in appearance and legibility, and the town centre offer increased for visitors.”

Council planning officers will consider the application in the coming weeks.