FEARS that an extension of drinking hours for a Penn pub would exacerbate nuisance to residents could not be backed by evidence, said a brewery at a licensing hearing.

Residents living near the Queens Head, Hammersley Lane, attended a licensing meeting at Wycombe District Council last month to object to an application made by the owners because they believe it will lead to more noise, littering and residential aggravation.

Speaking on behalf of the Penn and Tylers Green residents society, parish clerk Hugh Jones, said: "The objection is the increase in noise nuisance that will occur and the detrimental effect this will have on the peace and quiet of surrounding homes."

However, he admitted that residents have no complaint with current licensing arrangements.

Richard Wormald, a spokesman for Greene King, said: "Rather than operate illegal lock-ins, this house would rather gain legal permission to allow people to enjoy their drinks. It has been conceded by the police, environmental health and even residents that there is no complaint at present. Therefore the committee should grant the extension and deal with future problems as they arise."

Conditions that the garden area be closed after 11.30pm, and live or recorded music not be allowed without license, were agreed. The panel will give its decision later this week.