Neighbours are worried that an all-day drinks and entertainment licence at the sales suite for The Stage development in Shoreditch will set an unwelcome precedent for its future use.

Galliard Homes has applied for permission to host plays, films, live and recorded music, and dance performances from 10am to 11pm every day in Viaduct Arches, Fairchild Place.

The idea behind the ad hoc events is to flog homes in the 37-storey luxury apartment and office complex when built. The Stage will preserve the site of Shakespeare’s Curtain Theatre, after which it is named.

But neighbours say the 15 temporary event notices (TEN) it is currently given for events each year are sufficient.

Opposing the application, the Fairchild Place residents’ association complained previous events held there have generated a noise nuisance with guests “standing around smoking and drinking outside”.

In addition, it says, catering firms have been noisy whilst setting up and removing glassware, tables and chairs – often after midnight. The association represents 20 neighbours.

One man who has lived in Fairchild Place for 20 years and has a teenage daughter called for the application to be refused. He said: “I have no objection to infrequent events if they are well managed. However, this has not always been the case.

“I am concerned about the precedent – there is a clear risk that an open-ended licence would continue after the use of the arches as a sales suite has ended, and might be abused. It might also lead to an alteration in the intended retail use.

“They would in theory be able to have events any day of the year, even though they claim it will be at most one a week.”

The building lies in the Shoreditch Special Policy Area (SPA), which means no new licences can be approved except in special circumstances.

Although Galliard isn’t asking for a licence to supply alcohol, alcoholic drinks are given out at its events. A spokesman said: “This licence will enable us to develop a community outreach programme, crucial in engaging with local groups and allowing them to learn more and celebrate the legacy of this iconic location.”

It is set to be decided this afternoon by Hackney Council’s licensing sub-committee.