A banquet hall on an industrial estate was granted a licence to host events, despite concerns from neighbouring businesses that they could turn into “raves”.

Thamary Banqueting Hall, in Steele Road, was given permission by Brent Council’s licensing committee to hold celebrations from 10am to 2am seven days-a-week, with alcohol being served until 1.30am.

Its owner, Sabaratnam Suresh, explained it intends to host weddings, christenings, wakes and birthday parties, as well as ticketed events on occasions such as Valentine’s Day and New Year’s Eve.

A previous application in June was rejected on the basis that Mr Suresh did not have a complete “understanding of the responsibilities” of running a licensed premises.

The site was caught hosting an illegal rave and licensing officers, along with the police, argued that he would not be able to uphold the licensing objectives if late-night parties were to continue there.

But his new representative, Roy Light, explained that the previous issues related to a “problematic tenant” and that there would be no such trouble in the suture.

He added that, for this application, there had been no complaints from responsible authorities and that Mr Suresh was willing to abide by the conditions approved by the committee.

These included the introduction of an ID scanner for ticketed parties, a ban on using promoters and a commitment to clear up litter following events.

“There were concerns about his understanding previously, but he’s taken a course to address this and we’ve consulted with the responsible bodies,” said Mr Light.

“This isn’t going to be a discotheque or a nightclub, it’s going to be used as a function hall.”

He added that Mr Suresh is aware that a breach of the conditions – or a repeat of the illegal rave incident – will see him back in front of the committee.

The application was opposed by some neighbours the banquet hall who were concerned that the licence will have a negative impact on their businesses.

James Burleigh, who runs a furniture business in Steele Road, pointed out that past events at Thamary have generated rubbish and human waste at his site.

He suggested that the length of the licence is “unacceptable” and that this type of business is “inappropriate” for an industrial estate.

“I don’t have confidence that the events will not lead to problems and more ‘rave type’ events and that the streets will be cleaned up afterwards,” he said.

“Late night events can attract mess and anti-social behaviour and I think the costs in policing and clearing up afterwards outweigh the benefit to the community.”