A REVAMPED pub in Kingswood has been granted permission to play recorded music and films outside despite neighbours’ objections.
But Marstons, which runs The Old Plough in Westons Way, withdrew controversial plans for an exterior bar and open-air live music after backing down to residents’ opposition and admitting the proposed outside bar was ‘a step too far’.
The pub has had a £280,000 faclift to turn it into one of the chain’s ‘Grandstand’ venues, includes multiple huge TV screens and tiered seating.
South Gloucestershire Council licensing sub-committee approved the changes, which also include more CCTV and letting children stay in the pub after 10pm if they are with an adult at a pre-booked function, such as a birthday party.
Nine residents objected, including one who told the meeting: “Residents wish to be clear that they do not object to the refurbishment, the investment being made in the premises, improved facilities, or the continued success of The Old Plough as a local business.
“My objection is limited to the request for a permanent licence permitting outdoor events and entertainment that generate external noise with recorded music and film.
“I do not see a compelling justification for this element of the application.
“There will be a significant impact on residents.”
Solicitor Michelle Hazelwood, representing Marstons, told the panel that the pub would not be changed significantly or become just a sports bar but would improve its food menu with a big investment in the kitchen and show films and also cartoons for children.
She said: “Residents can have confidence that these premises are not going to change their world, they’re not going to cause public nuisance or crime and disorder.”
Ms Hazelwood said no complaints had been registered against the pub since Marstons began running it 20 years ago.
But she said the company accepted that applying for an outside bar had been ‘a step too far’, and that any external music would only be recorded and end by 10pm.
She said: “Yes, live music is very hard to control, and that small space with the size of the beer garden, it was inappropriate, that has been withdrawn, the same with the external bar.”
Marstons area manager George Hoare said: “Although we talk about this being a Grandstand concept, the pub will be very much The Old Plough – it’s The Old Plough working within the Grandstand format.”
There were no objections from any of the authorities, including environmental health, while conditions were agreed beforehand with the police.
Granting the amended application, sub-committee chairman Cllr Chris Davies said the changes to the original plans were sufficient to mitigate neighbours’ concerns.
By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service