Petersham Nurseries has won the right to permanently extend its operating times - serving drink - following support from the 'great and good' of Richmond.

The 'magical' restaurant, café and nurseries will be able to sell alcohol on the premises from 11am through to 10.30pm on Wednesday to Saturday – and from 11am to 5pm on other days.

Richmond Council's Licensing Sub-Committee approved the move after bosses at Petersham Nurseries agreed a number of special measures to limit the noise disturbance.

Separately, measures are in place to protect access to the neighbouring St Peter's Church, particularly around Christmas and New Year.

A number of local residents had opposed a plan to permanently extend the drinks licence and they spoke at the committee meeting complaining about noise, particularly around weddings, and road safety concerns linked to vehicles entering and leaving.

However, the Committee was persuaded by the pledges from the management at the Nurseries, alongside support from a glittering array of famous names from all parties, local charities, pleas from its 170 staff and a petition signed by more than 6,800.

In the past, the venue has attracted a host of celebrity names from Mick Jagger to Dame Shirley Bassey along with royalty, including the new King and Queen Consort.

Supporters included Lord Zac Goldsmith, the former environment minister and now a minister in the Foreign Office, and his mother Lady Annabel Goldsmith.

There was also backing Tracy Worcester, the environmental activist also known as the Duchess of Beaufort, and Lord Lee of Trafford, who is a Lib-Dem peer and former Conservative MP.

Celebrated writer and neighbour, Michael Frayn, backed the plan, along with Serge Lourie, who is a former Lib-Dem leader of the Council.

Particularly important was support from Bob Kimmerling, who is Chair of Trustees for the Vineyard Community Centre, a charity which helps individuals overcome personal crises.

It offers support to those suffering homelessness, addiction, loneliness and mental health issues.

He said the centre has been offered long-term support by the Nurseries, not least in helping to get vulnerable people into employment.

Mr Kimmerling said he had 'no hesitation' in supporting the application because the premises prosperity would also benefit the prosperity of others.

The business was established by Gael and Francesco Boglione some 16 years ago and is estimated to have contributed £12.4m in tax alone to the economy.

Earlier this year, Petersham Nurseries, famed for its beautiful setting retained its Michelin Guide Green Star.

This recognises restaurants that not only consider their own impacts on the environment but 'also address issues related to ethics and wellbeing, as well as contributing to local, national or global charitable and educational projects'.

Michael Frayn backed the extended drinks licence, saying: "In the ten or so years that have passed since then these have not had the slightest impact on us, in terms of noise, traffic, or anything else."

Tracy Worcester said: "Petersham Nurseries is one of Richmond's most magical destinations for locals and tourists alike.

"As you know it is exquisitely beautiful, the food is utterly delicious, they employ many people who actually 'love' the owners because of their close friendship and support and, by their buying from small scale high welfare farms, their benevolence reaches out into the countryside where farmers are suffering to survive in our globalised world.

"I am one of the many that have received their support via private evening dinners to help raise precious funds for my campaign, Farms not Factories. Our goal is to urge restaurant, shops and consumers to buy less but better meat – a perfect match for Petersham Nurseries ethos."

Lady Annabel Goldsmith said: "The management team are professional and responsible operators who run their business sympathetically alongside the local community.

"They are mindful of their responsibilities in the local area and have continually demonstrated that they are thoughtful neighbours."

Lord Goldsmith, who is the former Richmond Park MP, said: "Petersham Nurseries is a much-loved and highly-valued local business. It deserves support from the local council."

Local Green Party councillor, Andre Frieze, backed the extended hours based on assurances from the general manager, Paula Foulser.

Cllr Frieze said that she could not think of a local organisation which had not benefited from support from the Nurseries.

And she pointed to official Council records show there had been only two complaints about the premises in the last four years compared to six complaints about nearby Ham Polo Club.

She argued that it seemed 'extraordinary' that other local premises could have events with loud music and fairground rides when the Nurseries was simply trying to establish normal operating hours.

In its decision notice, the Committee stated: "The Licensing Sub-Committee considered that the applicant had responded to the issues raised by reducing the scope of their application, offering additional and amended conditions and had demonstrated a

willingness to engage with residents, the Police, and St Peter's Church.

"After careful consideration of all written and oral evidence presented to them, the Sub-Committee agreed to grant the licence (subject to conditions…)"

It also recommended that the Nurseries investigates installing acoustic barriers along the adjoining boundaries with residential premises to limit potential noise disturbance.

The opening hours will now run from 9am to 11pm on Wednesday to Saturday, from 11am to 5pm on Sundays and from 9am to 5pm on Monday to Tuesday.

Local residents have the option to appeal against the decision.