Plans for new restaurant in Charminster Road, Bournemouth

The unit at 360 Charminster Road is currently undergoing an “extensive refurbishment” to become a restaurant.

The site was formerly home to the First & Last café and bar until it closed its doors at the end of April last year.

A planning application has now been submitted by KW Trading Ltd to request a change of use to a restaurant.

While little detail is available on the proposed restaurant, the application describes it as “top quality”.

The applicant added it “aspires to bring further high-quality dining to the area”.

A planning statement prepared on behalf of KW Trading Ltd reads: “The premises are currently being refurbished to become a new Use Class E restaurant.

The unit was previously occupied by First & Last (Image: Google Maps)

“This has involved an extensive refurbishment of the premises including added sound insulation to the ceiling and a new dining area to the front.

“The previous premises appears to have been vertical drinking led, but the applicants are seeking to move away from that offer to provide a top-quality restaurant.

“An alcohol licence has been applied for, but this will be a “restaurant licence” and for the benefit of diners rather than visitors not seeking food.”

The application lodged with BCP Council also requests permission for an extraction flue at the rear of the building.

The planning statement continues: “The proposal seeks a flue to enable the unit to be bought back into use.

“It is considered that the extraction would be appropriate to neighbouring uses and residents and also that the restaurant would provide a valuable addition to the district centre by stimulating the economy and creating local jobs.

“The proposal would result in a net gain of useable employment space.

“The proposal would therefore clearly have social and economic benefits, whilst the environmental impact is neutral, completing the three strands of sustainable development.”

A decision is yet to be made on the planning application.