Plans to open a new bar right in the heart of Norwich will have to be scaled back after neighbours claimed that they would only get four hours of peace a night.

The bid to turn 1 Red Lion Street, previously home of women's clothing store Evans, into a cocktail bar called The Aslan has taken a step forward after Norwich City Council approved its alcohol licence.

But following an impassioned plea from neighbours in nearby Westlegate tower, who feared they would be disturbed by noise from a roof-top bar, the developer will have to scale back his original vision.

At a licensing committee meeting, the owner, Zafer Aslandok, said there would be no music at the outdoor area of the bar - which sits between Tesco Express and Bella Italia.

But residents said the terrace would still cause a disturbance.

Norwich Evening News: Zafer Aslandok is behind the new business. (Image: submitted)Zafer Aslandok is behind the new business. (Image: submitted) (Image: submitted)

Nick Backhouse, who lives in the tower, said: “The original plans showed tables which could accommodate 90 to 100 people who will be talking, drinking, how will that sound level be monitored?"

Mr Backhouse said that even if the terrace closed at 11pm it would still disturb tenants, including children. 

He argued the indoor space was "more likely to be a nightclub" because the owner wanted to keep it open until 2.30am.

Mr Backhouse said residents would get less than five hours of peace at night, with Tesco deliveries starting at 7am.

Mr Aslandok said: “The concept I had in mind is not a nightclub, it is actually a restaurant bar. 

“I would like a nice cocktail bar, I’m just trying to make a place me and my friends would like to go.” 

Councillors approved the application but imposed a series of restrictions, including no public use of the roof area and restricting the hours alcohol can be served to 11.30pm, Monday to Saturday.