By David Barwell

Copyright theage

A long-running Paddington pub’s plan to turn a parking space into outdoor dining has sparked a row with neighbours, who fear it could lead to rowdy crowd behaviour, sleep deprivation and affect their mental health.

The London Hotel is pushing ahead with a $50,000 proposal to set up tables and chairs in a purpose-built “parklet” outside the venue, in a move aimed at boosting the late-night alfresco dining scene in the inner-city suburb.

The British-styled hotel – which is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year – was given the tick of approval to build a 7.5-metre-long dining area for trading as late as 11pm during a three-hour Woollahra Council meeting attended by both supporters and opponents of the proposal.

The approval came with a list of more than 70 conditions, including a ban on amplified music, requirements for security guards on Friday and Saturday nights, a prohibition on smoking, and the erection of barriers to ensure the safety of diners.