RESIDENTS have reacted angrily to plans to create a stylish Italian restaurant in Weston. Bottelinos, a Bristol-based company, wants to turn the existing John Hodge Solicitors premises in the Boulevard into an Italian restaurant and 14 flats. But concerns

RESIDENTS have reacted angrily to plans to create a stylish Italian restaurant in Weston.Bottelinos, a Bristol-based company, wants to turn the existing John Hodge Solicitors premises in the Boulevard into an Italian restaurant and 14 flats. But concerns have already been raised that the scheme will have a negative impact on a nearby residential building, Tivoli House.John Smith, chairman of the Tivoli House Residents' Association, and his wife are leading the protests.He said: "This is a conservation area and nothing should be allowed to be built on the car park between Tivoli House and the east side of the John Hodge building."The proposed design is hideous, like a carbuncle squeezed onto a completely 'no go area' for any building."We in Tivoli House will be losing our tranquillity. We could be disturbed at night from boisterous customers leaving the restaurant."The extractor fans from the commercial kitchen areas could produce some obnoxious smells. and our privacy is threatened by patrons looking into our homes."The company, headed by managing director Mike Botta, says it believes the time is right to develop the site and the new building will be popular with both residents and tourists.The firm's architects say the conversion will improve the 'tired' appearance of the site.