Village pub's outdoor bar plan sparks backlash as neighbours fight proposal

A council licensing hearing has been called over plans to open an outdoor bar at a Wakefield village pub following objections from local residents and environmental health officers.

People living in a cul-de-sac next to the Star Inn in Kirkhamgate said the scheme would create “significant public nuisance, including increased noise disturbance” if Wakefield Council approved it.

Ei Group Ltd has re-submitted plans to amend the premises licence for the Batley Road pub to include an external bar and marquee.

Similar proposals were originally lodged with the local authority in February but were withdrawn after attracting objections relating to noise concerns.

According to documents, discussions then took place between pub licensee Stonegate Group, council officers and residents before a fresh application was submitted.

However, a hearing to determine the plan has been scheduled after residents and the council continued to object.

A petition signed by residents in Westfield Place said: “We believe that these proposed changes would result in significant public nuisance, including increased noise and disturbance, which would prevent the peaceful enjoyment of our homes and gardens.

“Given the close proximity of residential properties, outdoor music events would have a disproportionate impact on local residents.

“We are concerned that permitting music and related activities in the beer garden may encourage larger gatherings and prolonged use of the outdoor area, increasing the risk of anti-social behaviour, crime and disorder within the surrounding residential neighbourhood.”

A council environmental health officer’s objection said a meeting had been held at the pub on March 9 “to discuss potential sources of noise nuisance” and to “outline measures that could be implemented to prevent such issues.”

The officer said: “Despite further correspondence with Stonegate in an effort to resolve outstanding concerns, I remain of the view that key issues have not been adequately addressed.

“My principal concern is that the conditions proposed may permit activities likely to result in noise nuisance for neighbouring residents.”

The applicant has requested a new condition be added to the licence for the external bar and marquee to only operate between April 1 and September 30 each year.

The application also states: “Any permitted music or entertainment taking place outside will operate strictly in accordance with a noise management plan which will be sent to the environmental health officer prior to any outdoor music taking place.”

The document said outdoor music and use of the outdoor bar would cease by 10pm and the beer garden would be “completely clear of patrons” by 10.30pm.

It said the beer garden perimeter would be checked every 30 minutes for noise levels whenever music was being played outdoors.

A further proposed condition includes making a duty manager’s phone number available to residents “in case of any issues that need to be dealt with.”

Councillors will consider the application at a hearing at Wakefield Town Hall on August 18.