Sherlock’s Bar has won a planning dispute to be re-categorised as a bar, despite neighbours “telling lies” about disruption.

At a recent Portsmouth City Council planning committee meeting, the venue at 17 Clarendon Road in Southsea was granted permission for a change of use.

The classification has been updated from restaurant to bar, as only cold, pre-prepared food from an external provider is served on the premises. The shift is intended to “regularise” the bar’s day-to-day operations.

Five residents spoke in support of Sherlock’s. Fiona McIntyre said it has been her local of choice since it opened, describing it as a “valued part of our community” that provides “safety and connection” to people who rely on it “not just for entertainment, but for friendship, support and belonging”.

Another patron, Sara Saunders, called Sherlock’s a “god send” for people over 50, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. She said staff are “well trained” and regularly check outside the premises to keep the area clean and ensure no broken glass is left behind.

The application also drew objections from neighbours, who reported noise and antisocial behaviour, including claims that customers were urinating in nearby gardens.

However, when questioned by councillor Matthew Cordy, planning officers said there was no evidence linking any antisocial behaviour specifically to Sherlock’s rather than to the many other bars nearby.

Councillors voted to approve the change, with Cllr Lee Hunt calling it a “clear cut case”.

After the decision, the bar posted on social media: “Despite protests from a couple of neighbours telling lies about us that were completely dismissed by the panel, we were successful. The neighbours didn’t even turn up!

“Thank you to all of our customers for your unwavering support and to our supporters who turned up today to give deputations in our favour.”

Sherlock’s Bar takes its name from Portsmouth’s literary link to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the creator of Sherlock Holmes.