The owner of a bar in Cornwall described by neighbours as like “living in a nightmare” has defended his business and said he “values a good relationship” with local residents.

Nuno Simoes owns MK Lounge in Bodmin with his wife Mikaela. They have applied to Council’s licensing department to extend its opening hours until 1.30am on Saturday nights / Sunday mornings.

The cocktail bar on Omaha Road, which serves food and has live entertainment, currently closes at 12.30am on Saturdays/Sundays. The application also wants to change the description of the premises from a members’ club to a restaurant and tapas bar.

However, representations have been made on behalf of more than 30 people in opposition to a bid, who described living next to the bar as a “living hell” and a “nightmare”.

One said: "This was our first family home, a month later this opened, now we live in a nightmare,” while another described someone passing out on his doorstep that he was unable to move from the only access to his home.

The licensing officer has asked for further conditions to be considered, while Devon and Cornwall Police have also requested a number of additional conditions.

READ MORE: 'We live in a nightmare' say neighbours of bar wanting to extend hours

In response, Mr Simoes said: “MK Lounge Bar has been always prepared to welcome any advice or demand from the Licensing Team from Cornwall Council, the local authorities and any person living close to MK Loung Bar that feels perturbed with nuisance and anti-social behaviour.

“MK Lounge Bar has never ignored any request or demand from anyone that expressed being unhappy. Most of the comments were completely new to us.

“Since we opened one year ago we have been working very closely with the Licensing Team to make sure we trade with minimum-to-none nuisance. We cover all aspects that could trigger conflicts and noise.

“Multiple signs in the premises asking customers to respect the neighbours when leaving.”

He said in place was a dispersal policy, Under 25 challenge, closed smoking area after 10.30pm, controlling the number of smokers to ten maximum, a sound proof dance floor, sound limiter in place and door supervisors – one to every 50 customers.

Mr Simoes added: “MK Lounge Bar has, without fail, managed to comply with turning the music off at midnight and have everyone out by the latest 12.30am.

“We see the night life as part of Bodmin’s development. The population needs places like this, managed personally, to be able to enjoy life and socialise during the weekends.

“Part of the reason for the application to be made was the several requests from our customers. We don’t see how one hour more, once a week, could possibly cause so much impact!

“In this industry, this extra hour will make an enormous difference for us as a business.

“In MK Lounge Bar we will continue to work with the community to embrace any concerns and always welcome local residents to pop in and have a chat with us.

“I truly hope that soon we can overcome all the objections as we honestly value a good relationship with all the local residents.”