The owner of a business centre in Chessington has found himself in a war of words with residents over claims he plans to turn the centre into a "strip club".

Richard Hunt, owner of Chessington Business Centre in Cox Lane, applied for a licence in May to serve alcohol at the centre, which provides office space and conference facilities for businesses.

A council sub committee rejected the application on the grounds of "prevention of public nuisance".

A revised licence was agreed after Mr Hunt appealed the decision, prompting outrage from some residents.

But Mr Hunt said: "If you have an event that goes on until 10 o’clock most people at that time of the evening want to have a drink.

"They put out there that I was opening a strip club and a nightclub and it was just completely out of order. I am a businessman, it is not a nightclub.

"I am not doing anything wrong and it is evident that the whole area and the residents should be grateful to me."

The business centre was granted a compromised licence by Kingston Council for the supply of alcohol, live music, recorded music and performances until 7.30pm from Monday to Friday and 9.30pm Thursday to Saturday.

It was also granted opening hours until 11pm for 50 extra days a year.

The decision has led to a bitter exchange between Mr Hunt and residents on social media, with the business owner even threatening legal action against the protesters.

Carole Auger said: "I'm in my late 60s and I just want to live in peace and quiet. Not much to ask is it?"

Chessington North Councillor Andrew Day was sat in on the original hearing into the application in May.

He said: "My original feeling reflects that of the residents’ concerns about roads and traffic and we felt that it was against the terms of the Licensing Act.

"I think it [the compromised licence] was unfortunately the best we could hope for." 

Jim Taylor, of Chessington Residents’ Association, said: "It’s a residential area and this sort of thing causes concerns of noise and people coming out late. There’s nowhere to park.

"They’ve came up with an almost workable idea, it sounds reasonable, but if I lived in the area I wouldn’t want it at all."