PLANS to open a "high-end" bar and restaurant in Southampton city centre have been given the green light.

Gin and Olive, which is set to create 40 jobs, has been granted a premises licence despite objections lodged by people living near the premises in Above Bar Street.

Protesters said the bar was likely to result in late-night noise and anti-social behaviour.

The licence was granted by the city council's licensing and gambling sub-committee after a three-hour meeting that was held online.

But the sub-committee ruled that the premises must close at 2am on Fridays and Saturdays. A report to members said Gin and Olive had applied to stay open until 2.30am.

The applicant, Anthony Ferreira, described Above Bar Street as a busy area that was full of bars and restaurants.

Answering questions about potential noise levels he said music played at Gin and Olive would automatically cut out if the volume exceeded a certain level.

He added that no-one would be allowed to sit outside after 11am.

Mr Ferreira told the sub-committee: "We have created a beautiful restaurant. It will bring a lot of people to the area, create a lot of jobs and hopefully make it a bit more upbeat."

Noise is classed as a form of pollution and any problems in the city are dealt with by the council's environmental health team.

Mr Ferreira outlined the measures that would be taken to avert any problems, adding: "We have invested heavily in the town and want to be there for a long time."

He told one of the objectors: "If you are not happy, environmental health can come in."

Gin and Olive is situated in one of the units at the Arts Complex, a council-owned building that forms part of the city's cultural quarter.

One of the documents submitted in support of the application said: "The Arts Complex was not built primarily as a residential building. It is, and always has been, a mixed use development with a theatre, art gallery and seven bars and restaurants."

Answering a comment made by one of the objectors Mr Ferreira said: "We are not a nightclub, we are a high-end bar and restaurant."

In a statement issued at the end of the meeting the sub-committee said it had listened to the concerns of residents regarding noise and anti-social behaviour.

It added: "Should they experience any issues with noise or anti-social behaviour, they can request a review of the license."