Controversial plans to extend the opening hours of a North Finchley pub were due to be discussed at a meeting of the appeals committee yesterday.

An application to allow O'Neills pub in the High Road to remain open until midnight on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays was made in November last year.

A police sergeant responsible for licensing permits in the borough has opposed the application, saying it will disturb neighbouring residents.

Licensing officer Sgt John Merigan said in a letter to Barnet Council: 'This will attract others from outside the area with a corresponding effect, especially noise nuisance from cars and boisterous pedestrians.

'These premises are one of nine public houses around the Tally Ho Corner location where competition for custom is lively.

'Operation of late licences always puts further strain on police manpower and resources.'

Although council officers have not recommended a particular decision, they told councillors that if permission is granted, a condition must be enforced ensuring that the beer garden must close by 10pm.

Three letters of objection to the scheme were sent to council. One resident of Stanhope Road said: 'During the summer months a lot of loud music comes from this pub. Therefore at weekends I don't go to bed until after the pub closes. I don't want to have to stay up an additional hour on Thursday, Friday or Saturday nights.'

lbenjamin@london.newsquest.co.uk