AN APPLICATION for a new four-storey bar in Southampton has been refused after the police objected to the plan.

Police warned the proposal at the former Kuti's restaurant in Oxford Street, which moved in 2018 to its current home, could have a ‘detrimental effect' in an area that already has ‘large-scale disorder’.

The applicant wanted to have a large drinking and dancing establishment with a roof-top terrace.

But councillors at Southampton City Council’s Planning and Right of Way Panel criticised the plan, along with residents, societies, environmental health, and the police.

A spokesperson from Hampshire Constabulary wrote to the council and listed the current crime figures in the area.

Police said in 2018 there were there were 60 incidents linked to nights out; in 2019 there were 82 incidents, and in 2020 there were 30 incidents – a low number attributed to Covid lockdowns.

In 2021 there were 78 incidents, despite bars facing restricted openings due to Covid.

Up to July 7 this year there have been 71 incidents.

The spokesperson said: “These are not linked to any particular licensed premises.

“What is interesting is clearly the figure is on the increase and this is after the opening of a number of premises such as One Oxford, Tropic, Pam Pam Pizza, Mail Room, OX47, Rita’s etc.

"Allowing the change of use to increase wet trade in the area will have a detrimental effect on the area.

“We have already seen large-scale disorder in the street during the latter part of last summer that included throwing of tables and chairs, hardly the behaviour expected from the European restaurant culture the street is trying to portray itself as.”

Councillor Sarah Bogle, who represents Bargate Ward, also objected to the proposal.

She said: “I welcome this long-vacant building coming back into use but am concerned about the addition of another drinking-led establishment in Oxford Street that might put more pressure on very scarce police resources.

“I object to the creation of a roof-top bar and extension as I am concerned about noise impact to residents nearby. If a roof-top terrace bar is permitted, it would need to be strictly limited in terms of hours of opening.

“Oxford Street is a lovely street with a positive mix of uses – I would prefer this remained as a restaurant with a bar rather than [just] a bar as it is a very large space that could change the character of the local night-time economy.”

James Iles, the planning officer who spoke on behalf of the applicant, said: “The proposal offers significant economic benefits including creation of new jobs and helping other businesses in the supply chain.”