A RESTAURANT has got the go-ahead to put on belly dancing performances and live music, after residents living nearby opposed the plan.

There were 42 objections from nearby residents when the matter went before a Wycombe District Council licensing panel last month.

Neighbours feared the music from Ayoush in Hedsor Road could lead to noise pollution and cause a late-night nuisance.

The licensing panel reduced some of the times the restaurant had applied for to run activities, such as playing recorded music, by up to an hour.

But licensee Mohsen Elawadi was pleased with the outcome and said visitors were enjoying the new restaurant.

He said: “The feedback I'm getting from people who have been there has been very positive indeed.

“I think it will be something very positive to the village.

“Obviously I will not let my neighbours down or the other residents by intruding on them, and I will be looking after their concerns.”

There were 42 representations against the application of the Ayoush restaurant in Hedsor Road.

Objectors said the surrounding residents would suffer, particularly in Hedsor Road, Abney Court Drive and Furlong Road. Jim Penfold, chairman of the Bourne End Residents Association represented the concerns of the community at the licensing hearing.

He said today: “I think what they were concerned about was excessive noise and excessive partying.

“If Mr Elawadi is able to run the restaurant along the lines that he stated at the licensing panel and his neighbours are happy with the limited amount of noise, I'm delighted as well and I wish him the best of luck. We hope Bourne End is a vibrant village community and to have a different type of restaurant here can only add to it.”

The licensing panel is allowing live music on the premises from 7pm to 11.30 on Mondays to Saturdays, and 7pm to 11pm on Sunday.

It is also allowing recorded music, dance performances, facilities for making music and dancing, from 7pm to 11.30pm Monday to Saturday, and 7pm to 11pm on Sundays.

On New Year's Eve the restaurant will be able to carry these activities on until 2am, unless that day falls on a Sunday.