H10 high-level bar and terrace with views of London Eye approved

The H10 London Waterloo hotel at St George's Circus wants to turn its 8th-floor gym into a bar with a small open-air terrace on what is currently an empty roof space.

The proposed terrace is just 20 metres from people's homes in Dodson Street and neighbours fear that they will be disturbed by noise from guests carousing in the bar.

"We've already have our lives blighted by development of student accommodation directly opposite the bedrooms, not to mention the development of the hotel itself," said Jackie Gilmartin, chair of the Dodson and Amigo Tenants' and Residents' Association.

She added: "Another bar is just one too many where we live."

Raul Navarro, representing H10, explained that some of the hotel's most expensive VIP bedrooms overlook the proposed roof terrace, so it will be in the management's own interest to minimise any noise.

No more than 10 people will be allowed on the terrace at any one time.

The hotel's general manager Jorge Gil de Gomez insisted that anyone who refused to leave the roof terrace when directed by staff would be dealt with by security guards.

Cathedrals ward councillors David Noakes and Adele Morris urged the sub-committee to reject the application.

"I genuinely believe that there is no way that it will not cause a problem for residents," said Cllr Noakes.

Cllr Morris added: "I can't see any circumstances in which the terrace would be appropriate."

After lengthy debate, members of Southwark planning sub-committee B approved the application on condition that the roof terrace is not used after 10pm.