RESIDENTS have said they are “appalled” by plans to begin serving alcohol at a converted chapel in Southampton.

The Design Chapel in Cemetery Road at The Common is currently being used as offices.

But now concerns have been raised after an application was made for a premises licence which could see the introduction of a business hub.

Set to be used for business events, breakfast meetings, training and for evening gatherings, the proposals would also see alcohol served on site and in the building.

Live music is also proposed between the hours of 12pm and 11pm.

Daily Echo: The Chapel at Southampton Old Cemetery. Photo by: Daily Echo Camera Club member John Ruddy.The Chapel at Southampton Old Cemetery. Photo by: Daily Echo Camera Club member John Ruddy.

But now over 50 objections have been received arguing that the area is a “place of calm” adding that people are buried at the site.

One resident said: “I am appalled that such a venture could even be considered appropriate in this venue.”

Another wrote: “I have family members buried in the cemetery and make regular visits to their graves to lay flowers and plans and to have quiet contemplation and memories of my loved ones.

“The thought of the peaceful atmosphere being disturbed by music and by consequences of alcohol consumption, with a further risk of vandalism and bad behaviour, concerns me greatly.”

Other concerns raised included the disturbance of wildlife and car parking as well as noise and litter.

However, 3 Men Squared Limited, the company behind the offices, state it is not a drinking establishment.

The application states: “We are not and will not primarily be about drinking, we are not a drinking establishment, we are looking to gain the necessary license to rent the space for events and allow the consumption of alcohol.

“We have thick stone walls and no ground floor windows resulting in it not being evident that people are in the building.

“We will put clear guidelines in place for leaving the premises, giving respect to the immediate cemetery surroundings and the neighbouring property.”

Friends of Southampton Old Cemetery, a group formed 18 years ago that is dedicated to the upkeep and maintenance of the cemetery added that th proposal would be an “intrusion and detrimental to the ambience of the cemetery.”

The application for a licence is set to be discussed by councillors at a meeting today at 3pm.