Plans for the former Pizza Express in Bournemouth town centre have been revealed.

The building in Post Office road has been empty since the chain restaurant closed in 2020 after bosses said the slump in revenue caused by the enforced closure of all restaurants during the pandemic, the cost of reopening, and the UK’s uncertain economic future meant its rental costs were no longer sustainable.

Now, a planning application to BCP Council reveals a company called The Marvellous Bar Group plans to open in the former Post Office.

The application asks the council for permission to vary a condition of the previous planning pemission, namely amending the opening hours.

In a statement to the council, agent Ken Parke Planning Consultants, said: "The use of the property will continue as a restaurant albeit with extended opening hours which will have been scrutinised under the license application and permission and are considered to be acceptable because they do not result in any harm or nuisance.

"The Applicants seek to vary the hours of operation condition to state 08:00 to 24:00 on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday and 08.00 to 01.00 on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Bank Holidays.

"I have included an earlier opening time to provide the flexibility to provide morning coffees and breakfasts in addition to the activities permitted under the license from 11:00 onwards.

"The restaurant is located within a busy town centre location. The restaurant use means that patrons will disperse gradually over the period of the evening and will not be leaving in large groups or gatherings into the street.

"The license conditions require on site management including ensuring that patrons leave in an orderly manner without causing nuisance. There will thus be no harm as a consequence of the extension of hours. 

"The proposals will bring economic benefit to the town centre in line with policies which seek to encourage the evening economy and increase vitality and viability of the town centre."

In response to the application, one resident said: "I do not wish this application to be able to operate until either 1am or 2am.

"I’m already disturbed by the noise from the bar opposite this business. At the weekends even with the windows closed I have to turn my television up to cover the noise from the drinkers outside Belgium & Blues.

"It is even worse in the summer when I open my windows.

"This is a mainly residential area. Not an area for late night drinkers, plus the noise from any music will be very disturbing for those of us of a certain age that go to bed before midnight. Please consider the residents of Post Office Road."