PLANS to turn a former lingerie shop into a sports bar with a late licence have been approved.

Bar owner Kev Welch has been granted permission to open the new venue in Milford Street, showing sports fixtures and hosting pool and darts matches.

He even hopes to install a Formula 1 racing simulator.

Mr Welch said he was happy to get the green light and work would start in the next two weeks.

"It will be a sports bar with a difference," he said. "A lot of people felt it was going to be a nightclub but that's not what we are doing. We won't have loud music."

Supporting the plans, Jordan Sutton wrote: “Lets bring Salisbury night life back to life!”

Some residents, businesses, and city councillors raised concerns about noise, litter and antisocial behaviour.

Kerry Bailey, who works in Milford Street, wrote to the council: “The thought of another bar fills me with horror.”

Mark Bowley, who owns the building opposite, says: “Already there is so much noise in the road from clubbers fighting, being sick and generally shouting abuse.”