A new wine merchant and tasting school can open in a former bakers’ shop in an 18th century building, despite concerns it could disturb families living nearby.

Entrepreneur Chris Cassell told Camden Council’s licensing committee there will be a strong focus on education at the Warren Street business, with steps to avoid disturbing neighbours.

His company Must and Lees already runs wine tasting courses and sells bottles of wine in a residential area in Barnsbury.

“I love wine, an understanding of wine can lead you into geography and different cultures, ” Mr Cassell told councillors.

Four neighbours objected, saying the street has become increasingly noisy as new venues have opened.

Victoria Swift said Warren Street has "canyon effect", amplifying noise at ground level on the floors above. She added: "Even small numbers of people are able to make an impact due to the nature of the environment, those under the influence of alcohol are prone to become even noisier and inconsiderate.”

David McAllister, who lives nearby, said with ten licensed venues on the street, another is "not necessary nor desirable".

Linus Rees spoke on behalf of residents nearby, including a family with a young child who live above the flat, as well as the Charlotte Street Association.

He said the wine tasting classes in the basement are unlikely to have much impact but feared a wine bar could disturb residents.

“I think it’s wholly unsuitable to have a wine bar in the premises,” he said.

With the building dating back to the 18th Century, he said: “These flats are poorly sound insulated and rely on the front windows for ventilation. They are typical of many street properties in the area.”

He said the wine bar “is of greatest concern” and the opening hours are “unreasonable”.

He added: “It is inevitable that with a wine bar there will be some kind of nuisance.”

Mr Rees also suggested banning drinking wine outside.

But Marc Finney supported the application. He said it would "add to the character" of the "improving area" and prevent degradation from an empty building .

He said the applicants had "proposed good measures to ensure the premises will be well-run".

Applicant Chris Cassell said the different revenue streams were “essential to the business” in Warren Street.

He said outdoor tables would close earlier than indoors to avoid disturbing residents.

Pointing out several restaurants have seats on the street, he said he was closing "significantly" earlier than others.

The latest closing time would at 10pm on Fridays and Saturdays. It would be open between 10am and 9pm on Mondays to Wednesdays and noon to 6pm on Sundays.

He said the business focused on wine education and had "zero tolerance" of drunkenness.

The venue also has “extremely limited seating” and he said it would not be a wine bar.

He told Camden’s licensing committee: “There’s a strong argument that we can create an environment that is  less nuisance than an unlicensed premises such as a coffee shop.”

He added environmental health and the police made no comments.

The licensing committee unanimously approved the application.