PLANS for alfresco entertainment in the courtyard of a new café bar and restaurant in Ringwood could be scuppered after town councillors opposed a licensing bid.

Framptons and Sons, the former High Street pet supplies and garden store, closed its doors several months ago after serving the town for 175 years.

Businessman Karl Caddick has secured planning permission to turn the much-loved shop into a café bar and restaurant.

Detailed proposals reveal plans to combine a coffee shop, wine bar, real ales and brasserie with live music from local performers.

Plans have been put together by local designer Lynn Seager of Seager Design who said: “The idea is to retain as many of the original features as possible, including the flooring, panelled walls, the original shelving and fireplace but, most importantly, the name of Frampton and Sons.”

A licensing application to serve alcohol between 8am and 11.40pm, late night refreshments available between 11pm and midnight, live music and dancing between noon and midnight, seven days a week has been submitted to New Forest District Council.

But members of Ringwood Town Council’s town, planning and environment committee objected to using the courtyard for entertainment such as live music.

Cllr Neville Chard said: “We should make it clear that the application should be kept for indoors and not extend outside at all.”

Councillors unanimously recommended the licence should be for inside only and that alcohol is served between 10am and 11pm only.

Mr Caddick hopes his new venture will be open in time for Christmas.