A WORTHING pizza restaurant’s bid for later opening hours has been refused by the council.

New takeaway Tops Pizza took over a former Thai restaurant, at 14 South Farm Road, in April.

It is part of a long-running chain with 60 branches across the UK.

Since opening in the town, the business has sought permission from Worthing Borough Council to open between 12pm and 3am, seven days a week.

But the request was turned down by the licensing committee earlier this month due to noise concerns.

The council’s environmental protection team raised concerns that noise from customers, delivery vehicles, and extraction fans could disturb nearby residents – including those living above the takeaway.

Mohamed Abdulla, who represented Tops Pizza at a licensing hearing on August 10, did offer to reduce the 3am closing time to Fridays and Saturdays only.

But the council’s environmental protection team leader Nadeem Shad, said that noise late into the night could amount to a "public nuisance".

“3am at that location I still believe is too late,” said Mr Shad, “The potential for disturbance is quite significant.”

Sussex Police initially raised concerns about the opening times but withdrew any objections after the business agreed to a number of conditions.

Tops Pizza is currently open between midday and midnight Sunday to Thursday, and between midday and 2am on Fridays and Saturdays.