CONTROVERSIAL plans to convert offices in the centre of Farnham into a chain restaurant will go before a Waverley Borough Council committee next week. The planning application for a new premises licence to be granted to Loch Fyne, an upmarket seafood restaurant chain, will be heard by the council's licensing sub- committee on Thursday, June 29. The proposal has sparked objections from residents who fear an increase in noise from "yet another restaurant" in the town centre. Situated at the bottom of Downing Street next to the Downing Street Surgery, the site has been chosen by the seafood chain because of its setting and character. The company, which actively seeks out unusual and historic buildings for its restaurants, has applied for a late-night licence as well as licences to host live music until 11-30 pm every day and to serve alcohol until midnight throughout the week, raising concern among those who live nearby. Emma Manning, a resident living close to the building, objected to Waverley Borough Council over the application. "It's really going to affect our quality of life and although they look like very nice restaurants, this would be one of the biggest in Farnham and I just don't think that we need it in the town," she said. "This has been a residential area for the last 15 years and to go from that to having all the noise and smell of a big restaurant is just too much." She went on to suggest that the property be turned into flats in order to encourage more people to live in the town, saying: "The site would be ideal as another residential property, especially in light of the issues surrounding the flats on Old Compton Lane. "Towns need people living in them but if they keep allowing these big businesses in Farnham then nobody will ever want to live in the town centre." Mrs Manning also questioned the sense in allowing another chain restaurant to operate in Farnham, adding: "What's going to happen in five years time if their business venture fails? This is a chain we're talking about here after all - will it one day turn into a McDonalds?" The premises, which will have a seating capacity of 100 people, will accommodate a ground and first-floor restaurant and bar and aims to have jazz performances on "irregular days". One resident, who made her objections to the planning application, echoed the comments of Mrs Manning and asked the council "to reconsider whether it is in the best interests of the town to have such a historical building turned into yet another restaurant, especially when there is a shortage of accommodation?" But Jeremy Brown, the commercial manager for Loch Fyne, reassured local residents that their objections are being taken into consideration. "We understand their concerns and we will resolve any issues that residents may have, working with them along the way," he said. "We've already made adjustments to our original plans based on some of the objections that were made and we will continue to work with the public. "We're well known for our charity work and for getting involved in local charities and events. We think it's an absolutely fabulous building and we're very much looking forward to becoming part of the community in Farnham." The meeting of the licensing sub-committee will be held on June 29 at 10 am at the council offices in Godalming and members of the public can submit statements for or against the proposal to the council in writing or on the Waverley Borough Council website at http://www.waverley.gov.uk">www.waverley.gov.uk.