An application to open a new restaurant in Wimbledon is opposed by residents who say the area has reached 'peak food/drink'. The building in Leopold Road is next door to award-winning Turkish restaurant Ambience, and was previously used by the business. But Ambience now operates out of 10 and 12 Leopold Road and managers insist the new business is entirely separate.

Ambience says the new business at 14, owned by relatives, will be American-themed and separately managed.

Six letters opposing the plans have been received by Merton Council, including one letter of objection signed by four different residents.

The objectors believe the addition of a ventilation duct at the back of the building, which planning documents describe will "protrude by one metre above the rear parapet wall", will increase fumes and cause a noise nuisance.

Due to the number of restaurants already on the promenade, the opposing residents believe another would also increase traffic, parking and litter. But planners say due to the public transport links, the application "raises no concerns in terms of parking and traffic generation" and that the duct is "consistent with the use of these commercial units" and has "no adverse impact on the design and visual appearance" of the building or surrounding area.

A representation against the plans by Wimbledon East Hillside Residents' Association said: "In our view, we have reached 'peak food/drink' on Leopold Road, and this new venue would still have links to Ambience next door.

"Should 14 Leopold Road become another Turkish food/drink/bar, it will dominate this parade, drawing even more visitors from well beyond the local area... the planning committee should consider what is best for the good health of the entire parade, not just for one trader in isolation."

In a recent assessment, planning officers at the council said 16 retail units were located on the parade but three of these stood empty. Including Ambience, there are currently four restaurants, three of which have an additional takeaway business.

An application to change number 14 into a retail outlet was put forward but subsequently refused by planning officers in April this year. 10 Leopold Road was historically a retail unit before it was merged into Ambience restaurant.

Ambience says it will concentrate on expanding its mezze and salad offering following the move to number 10, but reiterated that since it no longer operated out of 14 Leopold Road, the existing business and the new one are entirely separate.

Documents on the council website also make reference to concerns Ambience is in breach of its licence by offering a takeaway service, but managers say they are able to operate this service because the business existed before new laws came in.

The application will go to a planning meeting on Thursday, August 17.

Got a thought on the planning application? Email Adela at adela.whittingham@newsquest.co.uk or send us a letter on letters@wimbledonguardian.co.uk