CHANGES to the seafront Harry Ramsden restaurant in Bournemouth which will give the business extra space and better weather protection have been approved.

It includes upgrades to the upper terraced areas and at beach level adding better protection with new awnings, glass screens and an enclosed seating area.

The company say large freestanding umbrellas had been tried to protect customers from the weather in the past, but were ineffective and the only current protection from the wind on the upper first floor is reeded fencing.

The changes will also involve creating a new entrance.

Also approved is plans to enclose the arches at lower ground floor level off Undercliff Drive and expanding the ice cream sales area.

Said a statement with the, now approved, planning application: “The overall work will enhance the appearance of the property and make this more inviting to the customers and is necessary to meet the current climate of the customer needs and maintaining these standards…

“The proposal will be in keeping with the character of the property and also incorporate the historic values and traditions of Harry Ramsden.”

The company say that during the changes the building it will also be repaired and repainted with new lighting added to the lower ground floor and new entrance area. It is also planning new signage for the building, which is the subject of another planning application.

The application was submitted by Harry Ramsden parent company Deep Blue Restaurants.