Bridgnorth cocktail bar hit with tougher licence rules after noise complaints

A Bridgnorth cocktail bar and restaurant has had its licence tightened after complaints from nearby residents about noise from outdoor events.

The Greenhouse, on the town's high street, has hosted several events this year featuring tribute acts and DJs. But the venue drew objections after neighbours said the sound was so bad it was affecting their homes and quality of life.

At a hearing last week, Shropshire Council's Licensing Act Sub-Committee heard from environment protection officer Rob Bowland, who said the noise from the premises was one of the worst cases he had encountered in nearly 30 years.

"They've had more events this year and continue to inflict misery on their neighbours," said Mr Bowland.

"In the same week they were served with a noise abatement notice, they applied for a TEN [temporary event notice] for another DJ outside which, in my view, shows contempt of the council and the whole licensing process.

"The El Caso and tub thumping events should be indoors, and the tribute acts are more akin to a festival.”

Public protection officer Ross O'Neill told the committee that a September event still went ahead despite a TEN refusal, although he said the licence would not have been breached if the music was only "background and incidental".

The licence holder, Andrew Rhodes, said the event was held indoors and that people only went outside to smoke, talk and socialise.

The committee also heard from two residents of nearby Tudor Court, Martin Donnelly and Joanne Jordan.

Mr Donnelly said his house had already been shored up "on The Greenhouse side" because it is at risk of collapse.

"Listed buildings with weak walls are affected by low frequency bass, and there is legislation to control that," he said.

"I am really afraid that our house is being damaged. So it's not just about the volume, it's about the type of frequency."

He said he noticed "some shifting" shortly after an event at The Greenhouse on August 29, and said that is being investigated by experts.

Mrs Jordan said: "It's become a bit of a nightmare and is making my health worse. When the bass gets going, it's the vibration.

"We've had comments from people at The Grove saying they can hear it.

"This summer was so hot, we couldn't open the windows. It was unbearable."

Mr Rhodes said the premises had a long history as a music venue and brought tourism and support to the local economy.

"We take residents' concerns seriously and recognise their right to enjoy their homes without unreasonable disturbance," said Mr Rhodes.

"However, we ask that The Greenhouse is judged fairly on the evidence and the way the business actually operates."

He also said he was happy to reduce the number of TENs to eight per year, which he said was a meaningful compromise and showed the directors had listened.

The sub-committee decided the existing conditions were not enough to promote the licensing objectives and added further restrictions.

No separate, stand-alone music speakers will now be allowed in the outside area, apart from six days a year between 2pm and 10pm. There must also be a 20-day gap between each of those events.

Residents of Tudor Court must be given 14 days' notice beforehand, and the speakers must face away from the premises and towards the rear boundary line.

The committee also removed a condition stating that any external speaker would be at a low level and positioned to minimise the impact on noise sensitive receptors, because it was deemed ambiguous and unenforceable.