THE new owners of a Southampton pub are due to face licensing chiefs today as part of a million-pound redevelopment of the popular watering hole.

As previously reported by the Daily Echo, the Red Lion is being taken over by pub chain JD Wetherspoon, and the firm has applied to extend the hours alcohol can be sold at the venue in Bitterne Precinct.

JD Wetherspoon says it is investing £1.6 million to redevelop the pub and says it will create 50 jobs for people in the city.

While the firm has exchanged contracts to buy the site, it has not yet revealed what the pub’s new name will be and there is no scheduled opening date.

Today JD Wetherspoon’s representatives are due to face the city council’s licensing committee in a bid for a new licence.

If approved, the pub would be open longer than it was under its previous management.

While the Red Lion was open until 11pm Sunday to Thursday and midnight Friday to Saturday, it could soon be open until 12.30am seven days a week.

Alcohol and food could be served until midnight, seven days a week, and for a further hour on New Year’s Eve.

JD Wetherspoon won planning permission for expansion works at the pub last year.

The firm had bid to create a new entrance canopy, external balcony area at first floor level and a three storey rear extension.

One person, Rosalind Kellett, objected to the plans. She said: “The increased trade will, particularly in summer, impact upon the front outside area adjoining the precinct and there is insufficient deterrent to stop customers intruding into the precinct and prevent customers’ potential interference with passers by to and from the precinct.”

However several people supported the application, saying it would “breathe new life into Bitterne”, and the plans were approved by the city council.

The company has been in negotiations with Hampshire Constabulary about conditions, and has agreed its opening hours with the force before the meeting, having originally wanted to open until 1.30am on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

Other conditions agreed include the installation of CCTV and the maintenance of an incident book, refusals register and Challenge 21 policy.

One resident, Rosemary Lawrence, has objected to the application, saying: “This area has experienced countless problems of vandalism and brawling in the streets during the hours of darkness - after the pubs have closed.”

She says she has spoken to several elderly residents who are concerned with the proposed hours and the fact that it is already a busy area for people returning home from nights out and sometimes getting into fights.