A RESTAURANT'S controversial bid for a new licence has been granted, despite residents' fears it will be turned into a nightclub.

Neighbours objected to an application for late-night drinking hours at Browns @ The Quay amid worries this could lead to increased noise and anti-social behaviour.

City Councillor Lynn Denham, speaking on behalf of concerned constituents, said the new licence could lead to "unrelenting noise from 7am to 2am every day of the week" at the iconic location in South Quay in the city.

However, it is now full steam ahead for the eatery - formed after a merger between Browns Wine Bar and The Quay Restaurant - after a ruling by Worcester City Council's licensing sub-committee today.

Darren Pinches, speaking on behalf of the business, said: "I'm delighted it's been passed.

"We're going to be there long term - that's why we bought the place.

"I can understand residents' concerns and I just wish it could've been dealt with instead of coming to a committee."

Sarah Clover, who represented the eatery's owners Bushwackers Leisure Limited, said: "It's not a nightclub and it's not going to be a nightclub."

The new licence replaces existing licences held separately by Browns and The Quay - merging them into one.

While a number of letters were written opposing the new licence, including some which highlighted instances of anti-social behaviour, since Bushwackers took over two years ago there have been no formal complaints made about either establishment.

During the meeting, resident Ian Jack described incidents of people smoking outside his living room, urinating in a shared courtyard and being abusive to his partner.

However, no objections were raised to the new licence application by any of the key authorities.

This will be exactly the same as The Quay's licence - with alcohol on sale from 7am to 1am from Monday to Saturday and from 7am to 12.01am on Sunday.

Regulated entertainment can run from 7am to 1.30am from Monday to Saturday and from 7am to 12.01am on Sunday, while late night refreshments can be served from 11pm to 1.30am from Monday to Saturday and from 11pm to 1am on Sunday.

An acoustic survey will be carried out to set noise levels for live and recorded music and external speakers, to ensure there is no noise nuisance for residents.

Ms Clover said: "The council has not received any body of complaints from those who now step forward and say 'it won't work, it's going to be a major problem'.

"It hasn't been a major problem so far."

She said Browns @ The Quay, which will cater for 120 covers, would be a "different presentation of the same thing".

The quality of the clientele will not be those who are just looking to drink lots of booze just to get drunk, she added.

Speaking after the meeting, resident Mr Jack, who lives in the Merchants House which adjoins Browns, said: "I'm disappointed but not altogether surprised.

"We've made a rod for our own backs as we've never reported things in the past but from now on if anything happens police and environmental health will be contacted.

"There's no point phoning and saying there's an incident outside - as that [means it has] already affected our sleep.

"It has to be prevention not a cure."

He said during the meeting: "I think people have suffered in silence but moving forward people won't be - they'll be making a phone call."