Concerns have been raised by a council's environmental team over plans by a popular Felixstowe pub to operate an outside serving hatch this spring through to the autumn.

The Felsto Arms has applied to vary its existing premises licence to create a new hatch at its in Sea Road, Felixstowe premises.

Owners Pollard Inns Ltd will find out on Monday if they have been successful in being able to open up the hatch, which would be operational from April 1 to October 31 each year and from Monday to Sunday between 11am and 11.30pm. 

But the council's environmental protection team has objected to the proposal, citing concerns there had been noise complaints from nearby residents in a high-density residential area. 

In their representation, they argued the creation of the hatch would lead to an intensification of the outdoor uses which caused the noise. 

Pollard Inns Ltd said the outdoor hatch would mean there would be a "visible presence" of bar staff in the courtyard who would be able to prevent customers being a nuisance to neighbours, if necessary by moving them inside. 

East Suffolk Council's licensing sub-committee will consider the application on Monday, January 9.