THERE are more delays to the application that could decide the fate of a popular Christchurch restaurant.

A proposal to extend Christchurch Library into the neighbouring Kelly’s Kitchen has caused controversy in the town, with loyal customers and regular visitors dismayed by the possibility they may lose the restaurant.

Despite an assurance by Dorset County Council more than two weeks ago saying that the long-awaited plans would be submitted in the next week to 10 days, the application has been held up by further complications.

It has already taken longer than usual to officially register the application, leaving Terry and Rose Kelly, who run the High Street eaterie with their daughter Jo, on tenterhooks.

They are keen for the process to start again, and say they intend to drum up support to mirror the 12,000 signatures of support they collected last time round.

There will be a petition up in the restaurant with supporters also encouraged to write letters to the council once the application is officially submitted.

The family is keen to refurbish and spruce up the cafe but say they have had to put plans on hold until they have a decision.

And while they agree that Christchurch deserves a more modern library, they say that alternative plans, discarded by the county council, show this is achievable without closing the thriving restaurant.

Paul Leivers, Dorset County Council’s head of cultural services, said: “The planning application for the extension of Christchurch Library is pretty much completed, but there are still a couple of outstanding issues that need to be resolved.

“We hope to submit the application shortly.”


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