PLANS have been lodged for permission to run a microbrewery at a Christchurch shopping village.

Drop the Anchor have applied to Christchurch Borough Council for permission to run their venture from the upper floor of Christchurch Emporium in Bridge Street.

The brewery has been running since May 2017, so the application is being made retrospectively.

It includes a tasting area as well.

A planning statement from the brewery said: "Drop The Anchor Brewery aims to build a reputation for its beer and ales which are handcrafted with care, brewed using time-honoured methodology and the finest natural ingredients from around the world, as well as housing a friendly tap house/ brew bar.

"The brewery is primarily selling to trade, as well as selling directly to patrons at the brewery.

"There has been no noise or disturbance complaints relating to the brewery, and specifically its serving of alcohol to patrons, since it opened in May 2017.

Speaking to the Daily Echo last year, co-owner Neil Hodgkinson said the company planned to work with local businesses in Christchurch Emporium, which he thought of as a “big street market".

"It’s going to be an amazing place.

"Our plan is to open during brewing hours so people can come in and taste and buy the beer. There will also be a mini-bar, and we’re hoping to do brewery days so people can see how the beer is made.”

The application is for a change of use. Christchurch Emporium was granted a temporary consent for a period of two years until October 2019 at which point the use can then be reviewed.

While the brewing process takes place continuously, opening times for sampling the produce will be between midday and 6pm on Friday, midday and 4pm on Saturday and midday and 4pm on Sunday.