A new African restaurant could be set to open in a boarded-up building in Woolwich town centre.

Chi-Chi-Dishes has applied for a licence to open in Hare Street from 11am until 1am, seven days a week.

The site, which used to be convenience stores, has been empty for a “considerable time”, according to Greenwich Council.

It has now been proposed that Chi-Chi-Dishes move in, serving sit-down and take-away African food to 50 patrons across its two levels.

The restaurant also wants to be able to play music, or have live singers or karaoke, until 1am.

The restaurant would be opposite to an alcoholics programme being run by Oxleas NHS Trust.

Conditions including CCTV and Challenge 25 have been recommended by the police, who have said that the restaurant should demonstrate how it will not impact the area.

Applying for the licence, the applicant Sophie Okoye wrote: “The premises is not being used as a nightclub, it is for restaurant and bar.

“There will also be security officers in the evenings to make sure nothing as such is taking place. We know the outdoor is not meant for hanging out.

“The ground floor and basement is big enough and also double sound-proofed to avoid the noise outside.”

The licence will be debated at a meeting on October 23.