A decision over whether to grant a licence to a controversial restaurant backed by Premiership footballers is expected today.

Spanish restaurant chain La Sala is planning to open a branch at the former Deuces nightclub on Chigwell Road in Woodford Bridge.

But residents have opposed the proposals, fearing the chain – whose Marbella branch has previously featured on The Only Way Is Essex – will become a hotspot for noise, nuisance and antisocial behaviour.

At the licensing sub-committee hearing earlier today, Redbridge antisocial behaviour officer Carl Bradley said there had been problems with the site previously, with notices being served in 2009 and 2011 following complaints.

He told the meeting: “I’m concerned about the potential nuisance it could cause.”

Video footage recording traffic noise along Chigwell Road was shown, with Mr Bradley pointing out open windows in flats to show residents had adapted to cope with current noise levels.

“You will have cars, you will have patrons leaving and have them standing talking and getting into their cars,” he said.

But David Dadds, counsel for La Sala, said there had been “very little complaint” over people noise in the past, with most issues being over music.

The parties also argued over whether plans included a dancefloor.

David Dadds, counsel for La Sala said there had never been any plans for dancefloors.

But Mr Bradley pointed out “open areas” which could be used for dancing.

The hearing continues this afternoon.