PLANS to turn a former Alresford bank into a coffee shop have been approved.

National chain Coffee #1 is now set to convert the Barclays Banks building, in East Street.

However, Winchester City Council’s planning committee heard concerns last week over litter, noise and waste, with more than 50 objections lodged.

Rev Natasha Anderson, of St John’s church, which is next to the building, was among those objecting.

She told the committee that the plans showed trade waste bins encroaching on church land, and feared that outside tables would block the passageway to the churchyard.

There were also fears about coffee cups litter in the churchyard, and that noise from the air conditioning unit would affect grieving relatives’ peaceful time at graves.

Defending the scheme, planning consultant Elliott James confirmed that to address concerns bins would be stored inside the Grade II listed building.

He also said that the new air conditioning would be quieter than that which was used by Barclays, and the store was awaiting the outcome of a license decision by Hampshire County Council over outside seating.

Mr James added that the new shop would “create activity and vibrancy in the town centre”.

As previously reported, Alresford Town Council has welcomed the restoration of the building but said there are too many coffee shops already in the town. However, the committee was told the number of such shops is not a planning issue.

Alresford now has only one bank, Lloyds.