By Jason Lewis, Local Democracy Reporter
A convenience store has been given the green light to stay open and sell alcohol until 1am every night despite opposition from residents.
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As reported, Emkay Retail Ltd sought permission from Southampton City Council to extend the licenced hours for Avenue Road Local by two hours.
The proposal for the shop, which is located on the corner of Avenue Road and Earls Road in Bevois ward, near Portswood, went before a licensing sub-committee after attracting objections from neighbours.
Concerns largely focused on noise disturbance in the early hours and increased anti-social behaviour.
The three councillors on the sub-committee decided to approve the premises licence variation application following the meeting on Wednesday, February 12.
Barrister Roy Light, who was representing the applicant, said the store was a valued community asset that had functioned well for several years providing daytime and evening amenity.
He said Avenue Road Local was run by responsible retailers who had a long history of operating stores.
“They know their business,” Mr Light said. “They know their trade.
“They wouldn’t be making the application if they didn’t think they could do it successfully.
“They wouldn’t want to upset the resident neighbours because their resident neighbours are their main source of custom for this.”
Objections to the plans were submitted by Outer Avenue Residents’ Association as well as from people who live in Avenue Road, Alma Road, Portswood Road and Earls Road,
Speaking at the sub-committee meeting, residents’ association chair John Hayward said the shop was surrounded by very narrow residential streets.
“I will be fair in saying the shop has been run very well as it runs at the moment but that extra two hours for residents living right next to the shop is just too much,” Mr Hayward said.
“I think it is a step too far.”
Resident Hilary Jackson said she was disappointed police had not raised any objections as they were aware of concerns in the neighbourhood.
Potential disturbance and noise issues from the longer opening hours could be at a level that would not be on the radar of the authorities, Avenue Road resident Ann Woolnough told councillors.
The sub-committee noted that no objections had been raised by the responsible authorities, which included police and environmental health.
The approval of the application included a condition that required at least two members of staff to be on duty after 11pm.