Historic Cannock pub wins fight over noise
A pub marquee blamed for shattering the peace of a Staffordshire community is being allowed to stay – because the 200-year-old inn has been there longer than its neighbours.
Residents had complained about a din from revellers using the large tent at the back of The Park Gate Inn in Cannock Wood.
"Most of the houses round here only went up 10 years ago. It's like complaning about the noise from children after choosing to live next to a playground," said Mr Donner, aged 62.
The building, which goes back to 1700, opened as a pub in 1810. The marquee, used for weddings and christenings, went up five years ago.
The couple had erected a 10ft fence to shield neighbours in Park Gate Road and adjoining Holly Hill Road from the noise but they then complained it instead amplified the sounds of celebrations.
Objectors also called it an eyesore and not in keeping with the surrounding area, and argued it created parking problems when in use.
But the council's planning committee this week granted conditional planning permission for the tent and fence after a site visit.
Councillor Danny Davies said: "The pub was there before the surrounding houses. We're talking about a long-established licenced premises, and it should be given a chance. We should be mindful that this is someone's livelihood. Most pubs are closing down these days, and this one might not be viable without the marquee."
The committee granted planning permission for 12 months on condition that live music stops at 11pm and the overflow car park remains.
Mr Donner, who employs 19 regular staff and more for functions, said they catered for about 30 weddings and 15 christenings a year.
"Pubs can't rely solely on the drinks trade anymore, and without the marquee we'd find it difficult. It's not as if it's a karaoke pub," he added.
