A new bar will be allowed to open in the centre of Taunton – despite fears people will poo next to it after a night out.

The Lager Company, based on Church Square, applied for a licence for a new bar at 48 East Street – the former home of Handsome Harry’s and Retro.

Neighbouring residents and businesses objected, arguing that it would lead to an increase in antisocial behaviour and claiming people used to relieve themselves in the neighbouring alleyway.

But Somerset West and Taunton Council has given its backing to the proposals after revised conditions were agreed upon between the police and the applicant.

Company director Julian Abraham originally sought a licence to sell alcohol for consumption on the premises between 8am and 11.30pm from Sunday to Wednesday, until 12.30am on Thursday and until 2.30am on Fridays and Saturdays, as well as on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.

In addition, he requested being able to play live music between noon and 11.30pm from Sunday to Thursday, with an extension until 1am on Fridays and Saturdays – with recorded music being allowed for at least an hour extra on each day.

Following discussions with the police, Mr Abraham scaled these proposals back slightly, with the cut-off point for alcohol now being 1.30am on Fridays and Saturdays, with limits on live and recorded music after 11pm.

The sale of alcohol will also be restricted to food orders between 8am and 11am.

John Went – whose mother Rosalind owns the neighbouring 49/50 East Street – told the sub-committee they were in favour of the new business but had concerns about how its patrons may behave once intoxicated.

He said: “In principle, we’re very supportive of the premises being returned to use and are supportive generally of the night-time economy in Taunton.

“The one particular item which we did flag and which hasn’t been addressed is the alley between our two premises. In the past, it has been a convenient place for… fouling, to use polite language, by people leaving the premises at night who have perhaps had too much to drink.”

49-50 East Street are currently occupied by Bradley’s estate agents and Flow Design.

Mr Abraham said: "This issue is a particularly tricky one because it’s is a public right of way – it could happen when the premises is closed.

"We have toilets, and we’re going to manage the premises to make sure that people behave respectfully to our neighbours when they leave."