A businesswoman who wants to supply luxury cocktail kits for customers to enjoy in their own homes, has successfully applied to register an off-licence in the back garden of her Watford home.

Soral Chavda launched a business offering "immersive and interactive cocktail experiences" at private venues just a few months ago.

She says she has already run trial events for body coach Joe Wicks and a former England football captain, and she says she had bookings scheduled for the summer.

But as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic all those events have had to be cancelled.

So Miss Chavda, a former scientist, now plans to offer bespoke luxury cocktail kits online for clients to mix at home instead.

As a result, she applied to register an outhouse at the rear of her Ridge Lane home as an off-licence.

A number of nearby residents objected, pointing to concerns about an increase in traffic and parking on the 'narrow' road, and fears that it could lead to anti-social behaviour.

The application was considered by Watford Borough Council’s licensing sub-committee on June 10.

Miss Chavda told the sub-committee: "This isn’t necessarily the kind of route I thought the business would take – and obviously had to re-strategise everything because of Covid.

"These kits are aimed to bring a little bit of cheer to my clients  and allow them to feel like they are having a luxury cocktail experience at home, whilst they are not able to frequent their favourite bars and restaurants."

Miss Chavda told the sub-committee her business – Soralina – combines her love of science, nature and cocktails.

She said she has no doubt that the cocktail kits – containing two 50ml bottles of spirits, one small bottle of syrup, two ‘garnishes’ and instructions – will be popular.

At the meeting the sub-committee was also presented with written objections from five residents – although no one spoke at the meeting.

A response from the Ridge Residents’ Association said that the business would not adhere to the character and quality of the area.

Highlighting concerns about parking and increased traffic, one resident wrote: "We find it difficult to believe that anyone could seriously submit an application for an off-license trading from a semi-detached house in a wholly residential road."

Another objector wrote they had never seen "such a singularly inappropriate proposal" in all of the 50 years the have lived in the area.

Other concerns raised by residents included the impact the sale of alcohol could have on levels of anti-social behaviour, noise and litter.

Councillors were also keen to address how Miss Chavda would ensure her product was not being ordered by under 18s.

At the meeting Miss Chavda  said she had taken on board the views of the committee and of the neighbours.

She said: "Whilst they are their concerns, they are also things I have been thinking about myself.

"I don’t want this business to bring any kind of negativity towards the area or impact in any negative way.

"I do live here and live here with my parents so I don’t want anything that is going to bring disruption to then or my neighbours or anyone in the area."

The application sought permission to operate the outhouse as an ‘off-licence’ between 9am to 8pm seven days a week.

After hearing the evidence the meeting was closed.

Watford Borough Council has since confirmed Miss Chavda's application was successful, subject to conditions.

Following the meeting, Miss Chavda stressed that there would be no trading from the site and that her bespoke mixology kits would be purchased through online sales.