A POLICE licensing officer who objected to plans for a new £50m town centre leisure and restaurant complex to stay open until 2am has spoken out to reassure concerned residents.

Sgt Derek McKerl from Dorset Police’s Licensing Team said: “We are working closely with solicitors to ensure the minimum possible impact on the local community.”

Dorset Police and town centre ward councillor David Smith, pictured, objected to an application for the Nautilus development, next to the Pavilion in Westover Road, to serve alcohol until 2am.

The revised application, for a provisional late-night drinking licence until midnight, was granted by Bournemouth council licensing chiefs earlier this week after Dorset Police and Cllr Smith withdrew their objections.

Sgt McKerl told the Daily Echo: “No direct licences have been granted and individual premises will need to apply for licences which will be considered in conjunction with Bournemouth Borough Council in an effort to reduce concerns among the local community.”