PLANS for a new bar and takeaway in Southampton have been given the green light – but its opening hours are going to be reduced.

Licensing bosses in the city approved plans for the site at No.1 in Oxford Street to be turned into a bar set to host live music events and dance performances such as belly dancing.

But they have asked for the opening hours to be reduced following concerns from residents.

As previously reported, Sonia Hotels and Leisure Limited - which tabled the plans- asked for food and drinks to be served until 2am  and for music events and dance performances to stop at 11pm.

Following a virtual meeting held on Wednesday night, licensing bosses at Southampton City Council decided to grant a licence to the venue.

But they asked for the site to close at midnight, rather than the suggested 2am.

Meanwhile, live music and dance performances will have to stop at 11pm while recorded music can be played until midnight.

The city council said “there were objections from local residents and this influenced the decision of the committee”.

In comments sent to the authority local residents said they welcomed the idea of a bar or a restaurant . But they said to be concerned about the proposals for the venue to stay open until 2am . Planning permission was granted last month.

In official documents the applicant said: “Proposals do not cause harm. These premises can bring a lot more trade to the area and brighten up the side of Oxford Street which at present is a little dull.”