A FAMILY-run pizzeria business has been given the green light to open in Christchurch.

The new restaurant has been granted permission to move into the empty unit at 103 Bargates, formerly home to The Crafty Knitter.

While a business name has not been given, it has been described as a “neighbourhood family-run pizzeria restaurant” with a “small amount of evening takeaways”.

A planning application requesting permission for the pizza restaurant was submitted by company Exflue Ltd in January.

The restaurant’s business hours will be from 8.30am to 11pm Monday to Sunday, and it will hire six permanent staff members and two part-time employees, according to the plans.

The application also requested the installation of an extraction system within the existing chimney.

Two letters of representation were received, one in objection and one making comments.

They included concerns over parking, noise and that the restaurant would “set precedent for other less attractive fast food outlets”.

Recommending the scheme for approval, a planning officer said the “the principle of development is considered acceptable” and “in keeping with the surrounding area”.

They concluded the proposed restaurant would “not detrimentally impact” the appearance of the area, neighbouring properties, or highway safety and parking.

BCP Council approved the planning application on Wednesday, March 6.