A BUSINESSMAN has launched a last-ditch attempt to save a Hampshire restaurant that has sparked a spate of complaints about late-night noise.

Paul Bayntun, who runs Fine Food 4 Sail in Bath Road, Lymington, has lodged an appeal after civic leaders rejected his application to keep the building open.

Mr Bayntun claims he has been the victim of “fictitious and unsubstantiated” claims by a small number of objectors. His proposal to retain the restaurant was turned down by New Forest District Council, which said the facility did not have planning consent.

Planning agent Bob Hull, representing Mr Bayntun, said late-night noise in the Bath Road area had been wrongly attributed to the restaurant.

Now an appeal has been lodged with Government planners, who have the power to overturn the council’s decision. A document accompanying the appeal says the restaurant is an important facility for people using the neighbouring Berthon boatyard and marina complex.