The owner of a soon-to-be-opened restaurant in Highworth told councillors that he aimed to be running a “fine dining” establishment “worthy of a Michelin star”.

Shakil Salam runs Salam’s restaurant, which will be opening at 30 High Street in Highworth.

He was granted a licence by Swindon Borough Council’s licensing panel to sell alcohol at the restaurant every day until 2am – although he said he would not be opening until that time.

Two neighbours of the building had written to the panel with concerns, particularly about the late hour of the licence.

One said: “I currently live in the flats opposite and concerned about the time and noise it will generate. 

"I have spoken to the owner in question and he mentioned that they will not stay open late, however why request a premises licence that late? 

"I’ve raised these questions but have not yet received a reply. Whilst I’m open to them having a licence, I am concerned that this too is a residential area.”

The other objection said: “I find the time of 2am to be excessive and it will have a detrimental impact on my family. We live very close to the premises and already suffer antisocial behaviour at closing time.

“Our property has been vandalised and we have regularly been disturbed by noise and fighting of people going home. To extend this period of closing time/home going would extend the disturbance period that we already endure.”

Asked by members of the committee how he would prevent such behaviour, Mr Salam said: “This will be a fine-dining experience, and we have CCTV inside and outside and all our staff are trained to remind people where they are and to ask them to leave in an appropriate manner. As a fine dining restaurant, aiming to be Michelin star-worthy, I wouldn’t expect our customers to be doing anything else.”

Mr Salam said the restaurant would close at 12.30am every night, and the extra time on the licence was in case he needed to make changes to the business.

After the meeting Mr Salam said: “I’m very pleased to be given the licence. It has taken longer and been more involved than I expected. It’s been a challenging time for hospitality

The building at 30 High Street was previously occupied by another restaurant called Rafu’s. There is no connection between the previous business and Mr Salam’s.

Mr Salam said he hoped to be open by late October.