Last orders at a Rochester bar have been pushed back after its opening hours were lengthened, despite dozens of objections.

Charlotte’s Bar, in Rochester High Street, will now close at 3am after a late licence was granted by Medway Council.

It was approved despite fears from neighbours about increased levels of anti social behaviour and noise disturbance from people spilling out into the high street after closing time.

Around 40 objections were lodged against the application, but no one was present at the meeting to put forward an argument.

Barry Kemp, chair of the panel, said: “We do know there have been a number of objections and while their evidence was taken into account, it was not able to be tested.”

The bar will now close at 3am with last orders at 2.30pm. A number of restrictions were also put in place, including no more than three smokers outside the premise at any one time after 11pm and outside entertainment must stop at 9pm.

Speaking after the hearing, owner Luke Tumana said: “I am happy with the outcome.”

Originally Mr Tumana had applied to remain open until 5am, but following police recommendation he shortened it to 3am.

The bar will now offer nightclub-style entertainment in its recently refurbished basement, which was previously a strip club.