WORK on converting a listed building into a boutique hotel in Newport could begin if councillors approve an application to sell alcohol late at night.

Plans to convert Rothbury House were submitted by Pasquale Cinotti, who owns the Gemelli restaurant at Spytty Retail Park and Gem42 on Bridge Street alongside his brother Sergio.

Newport City Council’s planning committee had approved the application in April despite protestations from residents about the business opening in a predominantly residential area.

For the hotel to open its doors, the local authority must now grant a provisional statement – a guarantee that a premises licence will be issued once the alteration works are complete.

A licensing application submitted by RDP Law Limited on behalf of Mr CInotti says the cost of creating the seven-bedroom hotel in Stow Park Circle could cost between £500,000 and £1 million.

The application seeks authorisation for the sale of alcohol on the premises between 8am and 11pm from Monday to Sunday, as well as the 24-hour sale of alcohol for hotel guests.

Mr Cinotti is also asking for permission for the provision of ‘late night refreshment’ between 11pm and midnight daily.

The application says: “This provision is requested to cover the odd occasion when the completion of a meal in the restaurant goes beyond 11pm and when otherwise the service of a hot coffee or hot dessert (sweet) would constitute a breach of the licence.

“The restaurant will be closed, and all of its customers will have left the premises on all standard days by midnight.”

The application does not seek any form of regulated entertainment, according to the report which will go before the planning committee on July 23.

William Lewis, the council’s licensing officer, had originally objected to the application and requested clarification on late night refreshment and non-standard timings such as Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.

But a council report says the representation has since been withdrawn, with Mr Cinotti willing to meet the officer’s demands.

Concerns have been raised by two objectors to the granting of a provisional statement, including Stow Park Circle resident John Farrow.

In a letter to the council, he said: “My living and bedrooms are within seven metres of the public rooms of the proposed hotel and restaurant business.

“I am not objecting to a sensible and responsibility attitude for the provision of alcohol to hotel residents during reasonable hours, but we all know this can only be the thin edge of the wedge.”

Another resident, Claire Jones, also wrote: “The granting of a late night licence in a residential conservation area changes the nature and ambiance of [Stow Park] Circle and will increase the level of traffic together with those driving whilst intoxicated.