TV antiques expert Charles Hanson seeking permission for film screenings and live music on Staffordshire field
TV antiques expert Charles Hanson is seeking permission for film screenings and live music on a field next to a rural events venue – but some local residents are not in tune with the proposals.
Bishton Hall, a Grade II* listed Georgian mansion between Stafford and Rugeley, was previously home to St Bede’s School, before becoming a Staffordshire showroom for Hansons Auctioneers.
In 2021 Mr Hanson was granted a premises licence by Stafford Borough Council to enable activities such as a “gin lab” in a former classroom and cultural events in the grounds of the hall. He is now requesting a variation so that a neighbouring field space can be added to the licensed area.
The changes would enable activities such as film screenings, performances of plays, live and recorded music and alcohol to take place between 10am and 11pm. No changes have been proposed to the times allowed by the current licence and there have been no objections from responsible authorities such as Staffordshire Police or the council’s Environmental Health department.
Stafford Borough Council has received three representations from local residents however. The authority’s licensing sub-committee will consider the application at a hearing on Wednesday, September 24.
A report to the sub-committee said: “Residents are concerned as to the potential impact of noise from the proposed extension to the licensed area, largely due to the location and its lack of natural noise dampening boundaries which the current area has in small part with the hall itself and surrounding trees. There are some issues with the types of events being currently held and the use of ‘fake guns and cannons’ which cause disruption with very loud and unsettling bangs for local community and wildlife and the use of an auctioneer’s PA system which is believed will only worsen disruption when extended across the more exposed area.
“In addition to noise, there are concerns regarding public safety and anti-social behaviour caused by the exit of intoxicated patrons from the premises onto unlit roadways where they may be unsafe or cause disruption to the local area.
“As part of the process, it has come to light that upon reviewing the representations, no public nuisance complaints have been raised against the premises within the last four years. The last complaint was received in August 2021 (subsequently closed in September 2021) following a wedding that took place under extended hours, licensed through a Temporary Event Notice.
“The licence holder has been made aware of the objections raised and confirmed to the council that the wedding was a one off temporary event with a later finish time than the current licence. Upon review, there was no action taken by the council regarding the noise emissions as they were considered within acceptable levels.
“Additionally, the increased noise from an auctioneer’s PA system, based on information from the licence holder, related to the filming of a television programme (Bargain Hunt) at the premises to raise money for Children In Need. The firing of ‘fake guns and cannons’ is not a licensable activity, however, the relevant authorities (Staffordshire Police) were notified of the event in advance.”
