MARYLEBONE is in danger of becoming “a short-term dormitory area” as long-term residents escape al fresco ­dining, planning chiefs were warned this week.

The luxury hotel, the five-star Chiltern Firehouse in Chiltern Street, Marylebone, had applied to use its courtyard as a restaurant until 10pm on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, arguing that since the pandemic more and more people wanted to eat outside. It was an extension of al fresco dining permissions granted temporarily during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Residents had raised objections with the council about the use of the courtyard which is big enough for 120 people.

David Cook, who has lived in Marylebone for 25 years, said: “I appreciate the lively and cosmopolitan appeal of the area, and at this venue.

“However, since outdoor drinking and eating has become so prevalent, I wonder if it is still pos­sible to live here so centrally for so long?

“There is a risk the area will become a short-term dormitory area, for transient residents, rather than a long-term community.”

Mr Cook called for a better resident/business balance, adding the hotel, which was converted from the fire station in Chiltern Street in 2014, had become too big for its narrow street.

“The proposed number of covers is equivalent to two or three restaurants opening,” he said.

Hamish Thompson, managing director of the hotel, said that since the pandemic, more and more people wanted to eat outside “in the fresh air”.

“There has been a lasting impact from the pandemic on how guests make reservations,” he said. “They are concerned and mindful about eating in crowded rooms.”

He said that criticism that the business was “not being welcoming of the local community” was wrong, and added: “We have seen this year over 2,000 reservations made by people in Chiltern Street, Blandford Street, Dorset Street or Manchester Street.

“And over 525 of those reservations are for dinner in the courtyard. We have become a place where many of the community enjoy coming to.”

West End ward city councillor Patrick Lilley said: “For many, it is a fantastic place. For others, it will be the bane of their life.”

He added: “My gut feeling is that things that were granted during the pandemic should not be used as a platform for moving the goalposts.”

Cllr Lilley asked why noise measurements were being taken out in the street and not from the homes of residents, before objecting to the proposal.

But fellow ward councillor and committee chair Paul Fisher – who was elected after campaigning against noisy nightlife in Soho – said: “Speaking as a West End ward councillor I understand the impact of noise on residents. But I have to be guided by the evidence.”

He cited a report that said noise from the hotel’s current set-up was not exceeding acceptable noise levels.

Cllr Shamsed Chowdhury suggested permission should be granted on a temporary basis for a year while Cllr Barbara Arzymanow backed the scheme saying that there did not appear to be disturbing levels of noise.

The committee was split on whether temporary permission should be granted, but Cllr Fisher’s casting vote ensured full permission was granted.