A POPULAR bar has been allowed to increase the number of customers permitted within - ignoring fierce objections from neighbours.

The Manor House, Chigwell Road, Woodford Bridge, has had the 'maximum 300 people accommodated' clause from its licensing agreement removed despite residents complaining about increased disturbances as a result.

The pub - formally known as the White Hart - has recently reopened after rennovations and licence-holder Punch Taverns plc wants to raise the venue's capacity.

Julie O'Keeffe, of nearby Stoneycroft Road, said the councils anit-social behaviour team is regularly contacted because of disturbances.

She said: "The rear door to the premises are frequently left open and music, DJs and karaoke singing can be clearly heard to a volume that forces us to retreat from our gardens and balconies and close our windows.

"Customers frequently hang around the carpark for some time after closing and local residents have to put up with with noise from cars, car music systems, arguments and fights."

Amanda Taylor, also of Stoneycroft Road, said she was dreading the reopening of the pub as "our lives have been made a misery in the past."

She added: "I wish to object to the capacity of customers being increased to over 300. This is because with far less customers than this we were constantly kept awake and our peace disturbed from customers drinking outside."

Fellow neighbour Lynn Fernandez said: "More customers can only cause more noise disruption and rude behaviour.

"They already congregate outside in the carpark at alll hours, shouting and screaming in the early hours of the morning."

The Manor House is currently allowed to open between 10am and 11.30pm from Monday to Thursday, from 1pm to 12.30am on Friday and Saturday and from 10am and 11pm on Sunday.

Cllr Ruth Clark sat on the licensing committee that met yesterday to consider the application.

She said: "Nobody turned up to object and I think it helps if people are there and we can hear their views and pinpoint what the problem is.

"If people say there is noise from people standing smoking or noise comes from the left hand side then perhaps we could advise them to close this door or something.

"I was surprised that nobody turned up but there was nothing to object about anyway. I think one of the stipulations is that people cannot be outside carrying drinks."

A spokeswoman for Punch Taverns plc declined to comment on the issue.

A Redbridge Council spokeswoman said: "The application was granted in that the condition on the licence was removed, however additional conditions were added.

"We are unable to give out any other specific information until the decision letter has gone to applicants, as this needs to be processed by our legal section."

Check guardian-series.co.uk for full details as they emerge.