Story by Rory Poulter and Charlotte Lillywhite

Petersham Nurseries, which is popular with locals and famous names from royalty to politics and celebrity culture, is pushing for longer opening hours.

The award winning restaurant, café and nurseries has applied to Richmond Council for the right to 'operate like all other restaurants'.

The business has applied for the right to permanently operate for longer hours – selling drink from 11am to 5pm from Sundays to Tuesdays and until 10.30pm on other days.

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'.

A petition supporting the application has already gained 6,804 signatures, while supporters include a host of famous figures from public life.

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Renowned playwright and novelist, Michael Frayn, who lives close by, said: "We are very near neighbours of Petersham Nurseries, and were apprehensive when they started their supper clubs.

"However, 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."

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."

Her son, Lord Goldsmith, the former Richmond Park MP and government environment minister, added: "Petersham Nurseries is a much-loved and highly-valued local business. It deserves support from the local council."

A petition supporting the plans has been signed by 5,780 people online and 1,024 in person, according to licensing documents lodged with the Council.

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Historically, the operating hours of the much-loved business were curtailed because of concerns about traffic, parking and noise.

In a statement, Petersham Nurseries says it has proved that can manage parking and traffic so customers enter and exit 'safely and without disturbing local residents'.

It says it could hold supper clubs more often with the licence, with jobs 'dependent on the continued provision of the supper club evenings'.

Separately, staff have written to council leader, Gareth Roberts, urging for the extended drinks licence to be granted.

Paul Robinson-Webster wrote: "When people's employment rests on the ability of the nurseries to open in the evening, and at a time of an impending cost of living crisis, not permitting the nurseries to continue its dinner services would be an ill-conceived decision, if in fact it proves to be the case."

Waitress Ellie said: "If we cannot get the license, there will be less need for staff and I especially will be at huge risk of losing my job is so crucial to my livelihood."

Despite the huge support, some locals have raised fears the licence would worsen traffic and disturb neighbours.

Geoff Bond, chair of the Ham and Petersham Association, wrote: "The hours proposed are very long and completely out of keeping for this peaceful area on the edge of Petersham Meadows.

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"This will form a public nuisance to what is an otherwise peaceful area where people and vehicle movements would not be great at these much extended hours."

Judy Gibbons said: "Local residents are already very bothered by the noise from Petersham Nurseries.

"It's bad enough in the day but extending opening hours to the evening will make it intolerable."

A spokesperson for Petersham Nurseries said: "We have for more than ten years held supper clubs using temporary licences and this application will enable us continue in the same way on a more permanent basis.

"Our staff follow an evening management plan that was created to minimise our impact on the surrounding neighbourhood and a permanent licence with additional conditions will only strengthen this.

"We are grateful for the enormous support given by neighbouring and loyal customers, and look forward to future dinners at Petersham Nurseries."