PLANS have been tabled to convert an empty high street premises into a new takeaway restaurant offering wood-fired pizzas.

Leonardo Cabeleira has applied to BCP Council for the change of use of the ground floor at 732 Christchurch Road in Boscombe.

A design and access statement submitted on behalf of the applicant by Bournemouth-based David Ramsay Licensing Consultant said the premises had been vacant for more than a year having previously operated as a clothing retail outlet.

If approved, the opening hours would be 7am to 11pm, with the mornings being used to serve cooked breakfasts.

The design and access statement said: “It is believed that removing this empty premises and replacing it with this new vibrant restaurant will improve the look of the street and attract more people to frequent the town centre.”

It added: “This application not only removes the stigma of an empty shop premises in an area frequented by locals and holiday makers and provide full time employment for four local residents.”