Council imposes stricter controls on popular pub after locals complain about noise
By James Smith 4th Apr 2023
A popular High Street pub will be unable to host as many of its popular outdoor events after councillors imposed stricter rules on the venue.
Following a lengthy meeting of its licensing committee last month, Stratford-on-Avon District Council has told The Nags Head in Henley-in-Arden that it must now give a month's notice before hosting an outdoor event.
And the pub - which has invested £60,000 in creating an outdoor space - will only be allowed to have three event days each year, after locals complained about noise from the venue.
The review was triggered following several complaints last summer and in November and December.
Nine members of the public made representations to the panel, with one saying the outdoor music events were like "Glastonbury in Arden".
The hearing heard from Mr Philip Woolard, a High Street resident of 35 years, who said the pub was a victim of its own success.
"He expects to see people going into the pub, eating, drinking and having a good time," a report following the panel said.
"The problem now is, it is Glastonbury in Arden.
"He can't relax easily in his garden."
Sound recordings and video evidence were also played to the panel.
But not all locals were in favour of the tighter controls, with 45 members of the public making statements against the review.
The panel also heard the pub was "fulfilling a need in Henley" and is the only premises able to host the "historic and long standing" Henley music festival.
Despite the testimony of regulars and the pub's owners, councillors approved the stricter controls.
The pub must now also give residents a phone number to call in order to make noise complaints when the pub is open.
It must also fit a noise limiter and produce a noise management plan.
"This is not a knee jerk reaction to the events over the festive period. Tighter controls are needed to protect the nearby residents," the report added.
"This is not an urban location with high masking background noise levels."
The pub's owner has 21 days to appeal the decision.
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