'We've caught men urinating against hedges': Objections to plans to open Leeds sports club bar to public

A 130-year-old Leeds village sports club could open its bar to non-members despite objections from people living nearby.

Fears have been raised over possible noise and unruly behaviour if Rawdon Golf, Lawn Tennis and Padel Club is allowed a new licence.

The club, which first opened in 1896, currently holds a club premises certificate, allowing drinks to be served to members and their guests.

A full premises licence would make facilities and function rooms at the Buckstone Drive club open to the general public.

Leeds City Council received six letters of objection to the club’s licence application.

One objector wrote: “By definition, a members’ club is selective, with the ability to exclude unruly members.”

Objectors said there had been increased use of the club and more traffic since padel courts were installed.

Another wrote: “The residents of Buckstone Drive and the golf club have co-existed for approximately 100 years.

“But recently the good-humoured co-existence has become strained.”

One described the behaviour of some people who attended late night club events.

They said: “We have caught men urinating against hedges, never mind the late night noise when people are waiting for taxis outside.”

The licence application said the club was around 200 yards from residential properties.

It said: “We have an open plan bar and a side room where the licensed activities would take place. This area can accommodate up to 120 people maximum.”

Measures to avoid nuisance behaviour included no noise from the premises after 11pm, no drinking outside after 10pm and regular clearing of litter.

A licensing report said: “Bottles will not be placed in any external receptacle between 11pm and 7am the following day to minimise noise disturbance to neighbouring properties.”

The application will be considered by a licensing sub-committee at Leeds Civic Hall on Tuesday, June 23.