Controversial plans for an Essex pub to open until 2.30am have been agreed, despite more than 50 objections from residents. 

The Crown pub in High Street, Billericay, owned by Greene King, has been granted an extension to its licence to allow it to open later. Basildon Council granted the licence at a meeting on July 7.

The pub will now also be able to sell alcohol, play live and recorded music, and offer late-night refreshments until 2am. The meeting heard that the council received 56 objections from residents and neighbours. 

Previously, the pub closed at 1.30am and offered the sale of alcohol, live and recorded music and late-night refreshment until 1am.

Four residents spoke in objection to the licence at the meeting and two spoke in support of the changes. One resident told the meeting: "I've got nothing against your business, I wouldn't want to do any harm to your business but the current closing time is already enough. I feel the later time of 2.30am will devalue our properties, increase antisocial behaviour, noise, shouting and loitering.

"Also vandalism, street drinking, and even crime. The neighbourhood is home to many young families and elderly residents, and children will be disturbed.

"Our community deserves an environment that supports rest, safety and peace, not late-night noise and insecurity. I want to preserve the character, safety and quality of life in our neighbourhood."

Piers Warne, from TLT Solicitors and representing Greene King, told the committee: "Financial and trading conditions have changed to a degree that is very difficult to explain in this environment quickly. But you will know about things like the rate changes, you'll know about various costs that have gone onto operating premises.

"I am a trustee for the British Institute of Innkeeping, so I can talk authoritatively to the 13,000 members they who run pubs. 80 per cent of them are not expected to make a profit this year, that is the situation all publicans find themselves in. 

"So an additional hour of trading is not actually as simple as saying an additional hour gives a little bit of extra revenue; it has quite a significant effect on the operation of the premises throughout.

"This is something that's driven by customers; one doesn't open later at night if you can do everything you can do earlier. In particular, in Billericay, there is very little in terms of nighttime economy for which people can go."