A NEW ‘gastro pub’ is set to open in Blackburn creating 25 jobs.

The Oyster and Otter, which is being developed on the site of the former Hordens in Livesey Branch Road, Feniscowles, is due to open in early March.

But its proposed opening hours have stirred some opposition in the area over concerns about late-night noise.

Restaurateur Joycelyn Neve, who is behind the plans with her father Chris, said the pub would be the first eaterie to be run by their newly-formed Seafood Pub Company.

Mr Neve has been involved in the food industry for several decades, having bought and sold at the Fleetwood fish auction since 1967.

The pub has already been granted planning permission for a refurbishment, which was approved using emergency powers by a senior council officer, to the fury of local councillors.

Now an application has been submitted to extend the pub’s licence from that used when it was the Hordens.

Opponents say they had problems with anti-social behaviour when the pub had previous owners.

Objecting to the licensing application, ward councillor Derek Hardman said he was ‘furious’.

He said: “The history of the problems of public nuisance and disorder is well documented.”

He added that residents had not been told the ‘large takeaway element’ involving fish and chips.

According to the licensing application, ‘alternative, more proportionate conditions’ have been requested.

This includes permission for ‘late-night refreshments’ indoor and outdoor, until 11.30pm during the week, 12.30am on Fridays and Saturdays, and 2am on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.

The pub would be allowed to open until midnight during the week, and 1am at weekends.

Signs would be put up urging customers to be quiet when leaving.

Noise would also be checked and controlled and windows kept shut wherever possible.