WETHERSPOONS has renewed its bid to open a pub in Wimborne.

But East Dorset District Council, which threw out the chain’s original application last December, has complained the plans are still not detailed enough.

This time around, Wetherspoons states it only wants to re-decorate and refurbish the inside of the three storey Grade II Listed Building in West Borough.

Bosses want to turn the old Conservative Club’s car park into a paved beer garden, rent out first-floor rooms and rip out the existing bar – but keep features like gothic-style handrails.

But the council’s public health experts say they still need to see plans for beer garden opening hours, noise management and delivery times. Proposals for the 19th century property also lack a smoking area and plans for air conditioning.

Many residents and the chamber of trade have said Wimborne’s 12 pubs are enough.

Ian Reynolds, of Redcotts Lane, said: “The opening of an ultra-competitive establishment would increase competition in an already over-saturated market during a period where people’s disposable income is reduced.

“This may result in one or more of the current venues with real character, not the pseudo character offered by Wetherspoons’ ‘restorations’, going out of business.

“One old building filled and two or three buildings vacated – a step backwards for the town.”

Supporters say the well-known brand will boost footfall.

But Mr Reynolds said: “Wetherspoons will offer nothing that isn’t already here so there’s no incentive to travel to visit it.

“What we need is individuality to attract people but soon Wimborne will be a generic town.”

One St Margaret’s Hill resident said: “Wimborne is desperately in need of a new service outlet.

“At present, with the empty shops and virtually no increased footfall from the new Waitrose supermarket, the town is dying on its feet.”