CONTROVERSIAL plans to open a wine bar in a Hampshire village have been approved – despite fears it will lead to noise and drunkenness.

Council chiefs have supported proposals to convert part of a building in High Street, Milford-on-Sea, and provide a smoking shelter in the back garden.

The application had resulted in six letters of objection from people who claimed the scheme would destroy the area’s peace and tranquillity.

Parish councillors also lodged a protest, saying a wine bar in what they described as a residential area would expose people living near the property to noise and disturbance.

Lymington councillor Tony Swain criticised the application when it went before the district council’s planning committee.

He said: “There are four or five private houses immediately opposite the building and if I lived there I wouldn’t be very happy at all.

“If the sun comes out people will be outside eating, drinking and using their mobile phone. If someone goes out for a smoke they’ll take their drink with them.”

However, other members supported the application.

Pennington member Tony Hickman said: “I don’t accept the scenario that drunkards are going to be staggering all over Milford if a little bistro and wine bar opens in the village.”

Lymington councillor Anna Rostand added: “When you live in a High Street you can’t expect it to be quiet all the time.

“I’m very keen to support anything that brings jobs to the area.”

A report to councillors said: “Concerns have been expressed that the proposed use would result in unacceptable crime, anti-social behaviour and late night activities. “ However, the crime reduction officer does not raise any objections to the proposal.

The applicant, Michael Halliwell, promised a “cosy” wine bar that would not result in any rowdiness.

More New Forest News