A planning application for extensions to a restaurant that have already been built will go before Maldon district councillors next week – but could be refused because of a proposal for changes to hours and music.

The 'On the Latch' restaurant - formerly Annley House Tea Rooms in Burnham, Road, Latchingdon - has already built single-story extensions and outbuildings without prior permission in place, according to the report on the application by council officers. There appears to be no reason given in the report why these developments should not be given retrospective permission.

However, the application also includes alterations to hours and music at the venue.

Members of the council's South Eastern Area Planning Committee will decide whether to follow the officers' recommendations to refuse the application or not at a meeting scheduled for Wednesday, 17 February.

The main reasons for officers' refusal surround concerns over potential noise nuisance for a neighbouring property.

The applicants have made alterations and commissioned consultants in a bid to limit any potential noise nuisance.

However, the officers' report concludes that: "It has not been demonstrated that the proposed extension of the opening hours into the evening would not result in a detrimental impact on neighbouring sites, particularly the western neighbour, by way of noise impacts particularly from patrons entering and exiting the site, and the consequent effects from access to, and the use of, the external seating area.

"The impact would be exacerbated by the playing of live and amplified music in the late hours."

Latchingdon Parish Council did not object to the application and there has been one letter of objection to "a late-night drinking and dancing establishment" and "concerns over drink driving". Officers did not consider the latter relevant to planning and added that "the proposal is not for a pub or nightclub, however the impact of extending the opening hours is noted".