THE OWNER of a controversial underground bar has defended his plans to open his new establishment on a quiet parade of shops, as the council prepares to rule on his application.

Members of the council's regulatory committee will meet tomorrow (Friday 22) to decide on proposals for The Vault, in Woodford Green Broadway, which has attracted a 100-strong petition from residents who are fearful of increased noise and anti-social behaviour.

Co-owner Peter Southgate has moved to allay fears and reassure local people that the opening of the bar will not compromise their quality of life.

He said: “This will be a wine bar and restaurant, which will offer high quality food and wine, not cheap plonk.

“We're looking at spending close to £300,000, so it won't be a spit and sawdust place.”

Some residents have pointed to the example of Funky Mojoes, which has seen a number of high-profile incidents tarnish its reputation in the short time it has been open, including the stabbing of one of its own barmen staff during a night out in November last year.

Mr Southgate said: “It'll be nothing like Funky Mojoes. I've never been there but we're going to be an over-25s place, aiming at the 'grey pound', if you like. What we've got in mind is people going there for a meal, business meetings, and that sort of thing.

“Antisocial behaviour after nights out tends to be a problem of the younger generation, and that's not who we're aiming ourselves at.”

Mr Southgate also added that he understood residents' concerns about parking issues near the site, which is a stone's throw from the affluent Monkhams estate and Woodford Station, but felt there are plenty of spaces in the surrounding area.

He added: “We're open to the residents and we've had a number of meetings at the site where they can come down and see plans for the interior of the bar, look at a full menu, a full wine and champagne list.

“I actually own the properties for a number of shops right next to the bar so I have a vested interest in the area and the last thing I would want to do with this bar is annoy or upset my tenants.”

Check next week's Wanstead and Woodford Guardian and the Guardian Series website for the result of tomorrow's meeting.