An events venue at a former bingo hall in Stratford has been granted a premises licence despite concerns about "severe disturbance", littering and "illegal parking" at the premises.
Saffron Kitchen Stratford applied for a premises licence to serve refreshments and play live music at 341-353 High Street - formerly the site of Buzz Bingo.
However, the application was reviewed at a Newham Council licensing meeting on Monday (January 19) after 11 residents objected to the proposals, our sister title London Now reports.
The venue - described in the application as a "large event space for dining, wedding, festivals" - is proposed to open until 2am on Fridays and Saturdays, which left many of the residents concerned about late-night disturbance.
One objection letter from Burford Road residents said these operating hours will "severely and unreasonably impact residents’ wellbeing, sleep, and sense of security".
They claimed that the venue had already caused "severe disturbance" during 10 nights of launch events in September - something echoed in all but one of the residents' objections.
Also mentioned in all the objections were concerns about "high levels of music" during these previous events.
One resident said: "The bass from the sound system caused vibration in our flat and the noise of people leaving the premises meant that we were unable to sleep until after 2am.
"I am very concerned that this application will make life [...] a misery, if granted."
Other concerns raised in light of previous events were litter and parking, with residents fearing this will continue to be a problem if the license is granted.
Another objection letter said: "The car park has also seen an increase in litter and the road immediately in and out of the main thoroughfare is suffering from an increase in traffic and illegal parking."
Saffron Kitchen Stratford apologised for disturbance caused during events in September and said that, following these events, it has "taken proactive steps to ensure that such issues do not occur again".
In a response to the residents' representations, the applicant said: "We will operate the premises as an alcohol-free venue, used predominantly for weddings, private celebrations, and corporate events.
"It is not intended to operate as a nightclub or late-night drinking venue.
"We have operated a venue in Leyton for over 15 years with no issues involving the council or police.
"We would like to invite neighbouring residents to visit the venue and raise any queries so we can work together constructively."
Newham Council's licensing committee ultimately decided to grant the licence subject to "additional conditions", which will be communicated to the applicant.
We have contacted the Saffron Kitchen restaurant in Leyton but have not received a response.
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