CONTROVERSIAL plans to sell booze 24 hours a day from a Southampton petrol station have been given the go-ahead.

Licensing bosses gave the scheme the OK, despite anger from local residents.

They feared that the move would lead to antisocial behaviour, loitering and people urinating outside their homes.

Police had also objected to the plans but they withdrew their objection after Manor Service Station agreed to bring in tight rules on selling alcohol.

The Bitterne garage, owned by Premier Retail Ltd, said that it would never sell single cans or high strength beer or cider, would improve site security and would ask for proof of age for anyone buying alcohol who looks under 25.

But residents said that it was not enough and wrote to Southampton City Council’s licensing committee opposing the application.

The bid failed and the licence was extended, allowing the former BP garage to serve throughout the night.

Speaking after the licensing meeting, Bitterne councillor Ivan White, who represented residents, said: “It’s a pleasant and quiet residential area and they’re concerned that having an establishment selling alcohol 24/7 will change the nature of the area.

“It’s a prime place to pull in and buy alcohol late at night and if more people do that antisocial behaviour is likely to get worse.

“I think it’s disappointing in general that garages are selling alcohol 24/7, particularly in residential neighbourhoods.”

The Hertfordshire-based firm said that the new licence – which means that the garage no longer has to refuse alcohol sales between 11pm and 8am – will improve business.

Managing director Sailesh Satpal said: “We are pleased to have been granted the extension and would like to thank the licensing panel for granting this extension.

“We would like to point out that the site will adhere to all the recommendations that were made by the police in conjunction with the local residents in the area.

“We anticipate that the turnover will go up on the alcohol sales and ultimately also make extra revenue for the business.”