Plans for a new wine bar near Watford Junction station have been thwarted after concerns that it would generate too much noise were raised.

Construction on the block of 14 flats and an adjoining commercial unit in Station Road is nearing completion following the demolition of the former building.

The initial intention was to create a new sandwich bar and coffee shop in the two-storey commercial space that would operate solely during the day.

However applicant Cedarmill Developments later sought to change the unit’s use so it would double up as a wine bar in the evening, selling alcohol until midnight on some nights.

Cedarmill argued that such an establishment would provide an economic benefit to the locality and complement the nearby office development in Clarendon Road.

However people who have bought flats above the proposed establishment objected to the plans, saying a venue serving alcohol would provide a “consistent and uncontrollable irritation” and be detrimental to the area.

Another said the additional noise created by customers and vehicles would be “especially noticeable” in the late evening at a time when occupants have a “legitimate expectation that surrounding background noise levels will remain low”.

Watford Borough Council rejected the change of use proposal on the grounds that any additional noise would likely have “a significant adverse impact” on the occupants of the adjoining flats.