PLANS to allow an Ashley Cross restaurant to open a gin lounge are to be considered by councillors next week.

Le Bateau has applied to extend its existing licence to cover the first floor room of its Commercial Road building – a move which has attracted no opposition from any member of public.

However, a BCP Council environmental health officer objecting to the proposal due to concerns about potential noise from the new room.

Members of the council’s licensing sub-committee will consider the application on Tuesday (June 11).

The extended licence would allow the restaurant to run a “small” gin lounge on its first floor which would also be used as a function room.

Restaurant owner Richard Crump said the “extensive conditions” on its existing licence had proved “adequate” to prevent any issues.

“Le Bateau Bar and Bistro has been a prominent fixture in the popular Ashley Road area for many years,” he said in the application.

“The premises is well known for its high quality of food and management with the staff being intent on making the venue a friendly and safe place for all age groups to visit.

“The reason for this application is to extend the licensed area to include a new lounge on the first floor that will be used as a small gin lounge and occasional function room.”

No letters of objection from any member of the public have been sent to BCP Council, however its own environmental officer has formally opposed the extension.

“We have concerns that noise from the use of the new lounge room will affect neighbouring residential properties,” Paul Barker said.

As a result, he requested that a full noise assessment be carried out by the applicant with a report published on the potential impact following this.

The objection means the application will be decided by councillors on Tuesday.