A PIZZA restaurant is asking for permission to build an outdoor seating area and roof canopy.

Forno Pizza has applied to BCP Council over their plans for the Wimborne Road eatery and neighbouring land.

The restaurant says if approved, the plans will create three new jobs.

The piece of land proposed for the outdoor seating is overgrown and derelict, the plans say, and "has a negative impact on the neighbouring properties overlooking the land".

The restaurant size is "very limited" and only allows for 22 covers which "does not create a viable restaurant". If approved, the extra 2 outdoor seats "will create a thriving and successful restaurant".

The proposed roof canopy will not be attached to the neighbouring properties but will be cantilevered from the side of Forno Pizza.

Heaters will be brought in as well.

A planning statement said: "The proposal enables the business to grow as it will allow for a significant amount of additional seating especially for the summer months.

"This is increasingly important within the Covid-19 pandemic as it will provide space for social distancing and allows the business to adapt to new social norms and introduce a space which reduces the risk of catching Covid-19."

The restaurant closes at 10pm.

One objection has been received so far from a member of the public concerned about "significant long-term disruption".

It said: "As a resident that overlooks the outdoor seating area proposed by this planning application, it presents significant long-term disruption via noise and light disturbance.

"Although the application considers that the noise will not be excessive, as an adjacent neighbour I can confirm this is not the case.

"I can quite clearly hear when the noise from Forno's kitchens already when their back door is open, even when windows are closed, so in excess of potentially 26 people chatting and eating in that space will be very loud, especially during peak season when my windows would remain open most of the time.

"I reject the notion that it suits the area as a commercial space, as all commercial spaces within this area are indoor only which limit their impact.

"Although the current area is unsightly, adding a roof and the presence of 26 noisy people does not do much to improve it and it's current state doesn't present nearly as much disturbance as the proposed plans would.

"The proposed plans are not appropriate for the area and disregard the impact it would have on the neighbouring residential properties."