CIVIC chiefs have condemned the late-night noise they claim is being made by revellers leaving an “unauthorised” restaurant at a Hampshire marina.

Fine Food 4 Sail came under fire at a planning inquiry that will decide if the five-year-old business should close following complaints about the behaviour of customers.

New Forest District Council says the restaurant in Bath Road, Lymington, is operating without planning permission, which proprietor Paul Bayntun denies.

Documents submitted to the inquiry included a report from Gary Worsley, a senior environmental health officer.

His submission cited the impact of the business on the occupant of a nearby house that he visited as part of his investigation.

“I’m satisfied that patrons leaving the premises late at night, talking, laughing and singing in a high-spirited manner, together with taxi pick-ups and vehicles manoeuvring on the gravel-covered car park at the rear, created a level of noise which would be disturbing.”

Mr Worsley said the council had also received complaints about “raucous laughter” and youths swearing.

Planning officer Nichola Whitehead added: “On some occasions patrons quietly leave the premises late in the evening and cause no disturbance at all.

“However, in other instances it is evident that larger groups of patrons cause unacceptable noise.”

But Fine Food 4 Sail, part of the Berthon Marina, was defended by Mr Bayntun’s planning agent, Bob Hull.

His submission said much of the noise was generated by passing traffic and people returning from the town centre.

“Bath Road is a main thoroughfare to two yacht clubs, three marinas, countless moorings, a well-frequented public house and residential areas. Any late-night noise has generally wrongly been attributed to Fine Food 4 Sail,” said Mr Hull.

The inquiry was adjourned until November 6, when some of the issues will be examined in more detail.

Earlier this month Mr Bayntun’s customers gathered at the restaurant in a show of support for the business.