A restaurant chain was given permission to sell alcohol and stay open late despite neighbours' fears.

A branch of Frankie and Benny’s will open in Theobold Street, Borehamwood, later this year after a premises licence was approved by Hertsmere Borough Council’s licensing committee this morning.

Alcohol will be served until 11pm from Monday to Thursday and until 11.30pm on Friday and Saturday – sparking concerns it will create a noisy atmosphere for people in nearby Chatsworth Close.

Speaking at the meeting at the civic offices, in Elstree, Norma Yantis explained how seven families in the street have children who would be woken up by noise from the restaurant.

She said: “The distance of some of the homes is under 120 feet, so we feel our complaint for noise is justified.

“Some homes are inhabited by senior citizens and they need a peaceful environment during the late evening hours.

“The staff may take a responsible attitude to noise, but they won’t be able to regulate it. With car doors banging and loud greetings, it would be very intrusive.”

Objectors asked for the restaurant to shut at 8pm, in line with other shops in the shopping park.

Fears about pollution from people smoking in the outdoor area were also raised.

Councillor Leslie Winters, who is on the licensing panel, said: “Borehamwood is known to be very boisterous and that’s putting it mildly. Do you have a scheme in place for that?”

However Heath Thomas, the lawyer acting on behalf of Frankie & Benny’s, pointed out there had been no objections from the authority’s own environmental officer or from the police.

Mr Thomas, who works for legal firm Harrison Clark Rickerbys, also promised the popular American-style diner would place signs outside the restaurant reminding customers to leave quietly.

He added: “There’s a plethora of legislation in place that would protect residents should their concerns come to fruition.

“These hours wouldn’t give rise to noise or public nuisance. It’s not a pub beer garden where you will cram as many people in and drink as long as you can. The music will be background noise only and no dancing will be permitted.

“There won’t be any entertainment outside. We’ll train our staff so if there are any conflict issues, they will intervene. We won't be inconsiderate but quite the reverse.

“These concerns are speculative.”

The application was approved.