A FORMER bookshop in Southampton could be transformed into the city’s second micropub.

A planning application to turn Peter Rhodes Bookshop in Portswood Road, which closed in July, into a tiny boozer has been submitted to Southampton City Council.

The proposed micropub will be called Bookhouse Alehouse and it is hoped it will be a 'community focused' alehouse with capacity for 120 people.

It comes more than 18 months after the Butcher’s Hook in Bitterne Park Triangle was opened by Anthony Nicholls and Daniel Richardson and proved to be a huge hit with punters.

As reported in the Daily Echo, on its first weekend it ran out of beer.

The proposed opening hours are from 11am to 12pm at night from Monday to Sunday.

A design statement for the new watering hole, said: “The aim is to provide a community focused alehouse. Space will be available for local groups to meet, promote local events and hold occasional acoustic or spoken word events promoting local artists and poets (no amplified music)."

The plan for the Bookhouse Alehouse by Jonathan Harris has received 23 supporting comments and two objections.

Mrs Lorraine Barter from Harborough Road, said it will have an ‘adverse’ affect on residents due to noise, car parking problems and fears it could turn Portswood into a violent area.

Mrs Barter, said: “This has got to be refused, setting a precedent that would prevent Portswood, especially the Northern Part becoming a night time violent and dangerous area like Bedford Place.

“The prospect of even more student residents in huge blocks will bring more such A4 proposals in future.

“The council must act firmly and protect the amenities of citizens in the vicinity.”

However the comments in support praised the proposal saying it will be a ‘valuable community asset’.

Portswood resident Christopher Wright,said: “This establishment will help to correct the twin trends of disappearing bookshops and declining independent pubs in the city. It provides a way to keep open a charming local bookshop and add some clearly necessary profitability.”

Comments can be made on the Southampton City Council's online planning portal until November 10 and a decision will be made in December.