PLANS to convert a former town centre restaurant into flats have fallen at the first hurdle. 

A prior approval procedure – an application that looks to confirm specific parts of a development are allowed before work starts – was lodged for the former Nathan’s Famous in Bournemouth. 

The plans for the now empty Old Christchurch Road building sought approval to convert the ground floor building into four flats. 

But BCP Council’s planning officers have refused the application just two months after it was lodged as the applicant had failed to address some concerns. 

BCP's officer said: “The applicant has failed to demonstrate that the noise produced by surrounding commercial sources in the area would not impact the occupants of the proposed flats. 

“Furthermore, the applicant has failed to demonstrate that adequate natural light would be provided to the habitable areas of the proposed flats.” 

Nathan’s Famous is an American-style restaurant closed in February after concern for safety of staff and customers in the inside. 

Tom Turner, chief technical officer at Nathan’s Famous, said at the time that spiralling business costs as well as “ever escalating incidents of anti-social behaviour and vandalism on Old Christchurch Road have been the driving force behind our decision”.  

He added: “Over the past few months our store has been subjected to multiple break-ins, vandalism and abuse towards staff members.”