WETHERSPOONS is a step closer to opening in Wimborne after district planning bosses approved its designs on Tuesday.

But before the first pint can be served at the old Conservative Club, in West Borough, the national chain still needs to get the green light from licensing experts at East Dorset District council next month.

Wetherspoons spokesman Eddie Gershon told the Daily Echo he was pleased councillors voted nine to one in their favour.

Mr Gershon said: “We’ve enjoyed great success with pubs in and around Bournemouth and we’re very keen to open in Wimborne so we’re delighted planning permission has been granted.”

But the company does not actually own the grade II listed building yet, he added.

“We’re waiting for the licensing hearing and if that is successful we can take everything forward and hopefully complete a deal,” Mr Gershon added.

“This is a step in the right direction and we’re pleased the authority had a look at both sides of the arguments. This pub will be good for us and a great asset to the town.”

Liam Hacker, from the Oddfellowes pub and the town’s Pubwatch group, said he was undecided on the issue.

“It’s hard to say if it’s a good move or a bad one,” he said. “On one hand it boosts the profile of Wimborne, but it will take away from the other businesses in the town.

“Not just the pubs, but also the cafes who serve throughout the day, that make the town what it is, could suffer. They have low profit margins and can’t afford to compete with Wetherspoons’ low prices.”

Most people he had spoken to opposed the plans, but the same had happened with Waitrose and it now brought a lot to the community, he added.