Pub’s ‘vendetta’ claims as it labels neighbours’ noise complaints …

A pub claims it has been the victim of a "long-standing vendetta" as it accused some neighbours of "unjust" objections over noise. Emily Hamand, who runs The Wharf Inn in Congleton, made the comments during a staunch defence of the historic watering hole before it was granted a premises licence by Cheshire East Council.

Last month we reported that the Canal Road venue had been forced to submit a premises licence application after it emerged that the previous one had lapsed. Several homeowners opposed the application claiming they are regularly impacted by the noise coming from music played at the pub, with one likening it to "living next to a nightclub".

Ms Hamand took over the pub, which her dad Neil purchased ten years ago, at the start of the year after the previous manager decided to leave. Mr Hamand informed last week's council's licensing act sub-committee that he had liquidated the company that the existing premises licence was under and had not transferred it over to the new one.

He told councillors they "would not be sitting here" if it wasn't for his "admin error". During the meeting, Ms Hamand made reference to a misconception within the community that the opening hours were being extended when in fact the licensable activities would be the same times as the lapsed premises licence.

READ: Dougie Mac shop has to lock down after man 'brandishes chisel'^[1] | Charity says antisocial behaviour is rife and it's costing thousands to protect against it

READ: Tributes to 'legendary' teacher and netball coach who was an inspiration to thousands ^[2] | Pat Arnott described as 'a true friend to many' who kept her passion to the end

She also said comparisons to the pub being like a nightclub were "unjust and untrue", adding that all concerns raised as a result of the application had been "addressed". Ms Hamand told the committee, which heard that there had been only one official complaint made over noise, she "would never want the pub to have an impact on anyone".

"However I don't think the neighbours think about the effects on me, my staff and my regulars," she added. "We feel their workplace, their safe space and social situation has been put in jeopardy because of the long-standing vendetta against the pub which we only took over in January."

The meeting heard that 16 objections had been raised, although two were withdrawn prior to the meeting. Ms Hamand pointed out that the pub pre-dates the homes in the area and residents were aware "of its existence" prior to moving in.

She added: "We do play music on the odd occasion and we do allow our customers in the beer garden but no music is played past midnight and no customers are allowed in the beer garden after 11pm. I struggle to understand how this has got so out of hand. I hope you can see we are not what you read in the objections. We are decent people. I only want to make the pub a success."

Following a question from councillor Reg Kain, who was chairing the meeting, Ms Hamand confirmed there is a speaker in the beer garden but it is disconnected and no longer used. He also asked whether there is any air con in use at the pub during the summer months.

Ms Hamand confirmed it was something they were "looking into" but installing it would be "very expensive". Although there are double glazed windows at the rear of the building, the front part of the pub is listed so windows are single glazed.

As a result Cllr Kain questioned whether the pub had considered potentially using plastic soundproof covers for the front windows. In response, Ms Hamand's father said it would be something he would explore.

References

^{^} Dougie Mac shop has to lock down after man 'brandishes chisel' (www.stokesentinel.co.uk)
^{^} Tributes to 'legendary' teacher and netball coach who was an inspiration to thousands (www.stokesentinel.co.uk)
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