The new owners of a well-liked restaurant in North Barnes have applied for a late-night licence, prompting objections from neighbours.

San Remo’s licence has lapsed after a change of ownership, and the new licence application seeks to extend the restaurant’s hours for the sale of alcohol inside and outside to 12.30am from Monday to Saturday, and to 12am on Sunday.

The applicant also wants to play music for the same time periods.

Previously the Italian restaurant, located at 195 Castelnau, was closed on a Sunday and finished up at 11pm every other day.

People in the area have objected to the proposed changes, concerned that late-night drinking “has clear potential to affect the peaceful existence” of residents.

One said: “Firstly the application requests that the premises be open to 12.30am six days a week and no other licensed premises in upper Castelnau is allowed to stay open that late in order to respect the expectations of reference for peace and quiet after 11pm.

“Secondly request is to be allowed to sell alcohol off the premises.

“This will naturally lead to drinking in the forecourt of the premises and especially by young persons and therefore there is a risk of disorder.

“I have been a supporter of San Remo restaurant under the previous management and ownership but with this new licensing application it is indicative of a revised business model which is very much against the local residents’ interests by encouraging noisy and potentially rowdy behaviour.”

Neighbours said the previous owners, closing at 11pm, were still able to operate “one of the most successful business enterprises in Barnes and most certainly the most successful restaurant in North Barnes”.

One, who “strongly opposes” the application, said: “North Barnes is overwhelmingly a residential area.

“Late night drinking has clear potential to affect the peaceful existence of people whose residence is in this vicinity.

“In my judgement approval of this application for a new licence would create the probability of conflict with two of the licensing law objectives, namely ‘prevention of crime and disorder’ and especially ‘prevention of public nuisance’.”

The restaurant is currently rated 4.5 out of five on Trip Advisor, with 88 per cent of visitors rating it ‘excellent’.

The application will be decided on April 24 at sub-licensing committee meeting.