A NEW branch of a popular tapas restaurant could open on Walmgate if owners are granted a licence at a council meeting.

Ambiente Tapas, which has sites on Fossgate and Goodramgate as well as branches in Leeds and Hull, has applied for a premises licence to open another restaurant in the former Bicis Y Mas store.

The 80-seat eaterie would also have a wine bar, delicatessen and courtyard area.

There would also be a tasting room on the first floor.

But nine neighbours have objected to the plans and called on members of the licensing panel to reject the application.

One resident said: “I chose to live in this part of York for its relatively calm environment, and I feel that if this application were to be approved in its present form it would seriously degrade the quality of this area as a place to live."

However North Yorkshire Police have not objected to the application and City of York Council's Public Protection team withdrew their opposition on the condition that notices will be put up requesting customers to leave quietly, bottles will not be thrown in bins at night and windows will be closed to minimise music noise.

Licensing documents say: “Ambiente Tapas have now operated successful, vibrant and disorder free licensed restaurants on Goodramgate since 2010 and on Fossgate since 2014.

“Noise or vibration from the premises will be maintained at a level that will not be audible at the façade of any neighbouring noise sensitive premises.”

No more than 12 people will be allowed in the courtyard at any time and it will be a non smoking area, closing at 8pm. The restaurant would open from 8am to 11.30pm, Monday to Sunday.

The licensing hearing takes place at the council today at 10am.