PLANS to convert a former restaurant into offices have been given the green light.

Permission has been granted for the ground floors of 3-5 Bridge in Christchurch to be used as offices and ‘flexible work spaces’.

The site was formerly occupied by restaurant chain Prezzo which closed in January 2022.

Two planning applications for the site were submitted by Ink Associates Ltd, a company specialising in luxury retail design and store construction.

One application requested a change of use at the ground floor from a licensed restaurant to offices, while the other requested permission for internal alterations to the building, as well as maintenance to the windows and doors.

Both have now been approved by BCP Council.

A planning officer recommending the schemes for approval said: “The proposed development is considered to preserve the significance of the listed buildings and the character and appearance of the Christchurch Town Centre Conservation Area.

“The change of use will retain the vitality of the town centre and will not result in harm to the amenities of nearby residential occupants.

“The proposed change of use will not result in a more vulnerable use within the flood zones and will not increase the risk of flooding to the occupants of nearby properties.”