COUNCIL chiefs have approved an application to illuminate a new restaurant and cafe complex – despite objectors’ claims that it would be too much like Las Vegas.

Businessman Richard Thompson has been given permission to retain 72 exterior lights at The Marine, an art deco-style building at the landward end of Hurst Spit at Milford-on-Sea.

His retrospective application had been opposed by Milford-on-Sea Parish Council, the National Park Authority and some of the people living nearby, who signed a petition complaining that “Milford-on-Sea is not Las Vegas”.

Mr Thompson told the district council’s planning and development control committee that the restaurant stayed open until midnight.

He cited the absence of street lighting and said the lights at The Marine were necessary in the interests of public safety.

Tony Climpson, the council’s tourism destination manager, supported the application.

He said: “The lights are just about adequate to allow people to get to their cars safely. The last thing we need is a customer falling over and injuring themselves.”

But committee members also heard from parish councillor Julian Davis, who criticised the scheme.

He said: “The lights are far too bright and totally out of character.

“With a little thought they could be more sympathetic to the area.”

A report to councillors said 54 of the lights were recessed into the ground. It added that the nearest house was 110 metres away.

The Sturt Pond nature reserve, a site of special scientific interest, was slightly closer but no objection had been received from Natural England.

Cllr Anna Rostand, who represents nearby Lymington, said the building had been restored to its former glory and was a credit to Milford.

The application was eventually approved by 13 votes to three.