Neighbours complain noise from Bridgnorth town centre cocktail bar knocks pictures off their walls

Excessive noise from a town centre cocktail bar and restaurant have reportedly caused pictures and paintings to fall off walls.

The Greenhouse, in Bridgnorth, will have its licence reviewed on Wednesday (October 21) following concerns raised by nearby residents.

Several events took place at the High Street venue over summer, including Robbie Williams and UB40 tribute acts.

Last month Shropshire Council's licensing sub-committee issued a counter notice that blocked the premises from hosting a DJ-led event.

The request for a temporary event notice (TEN) was made by the owners, Cocktail Club Ltd, who said the event would be held from 2pm to 8.30pm on September 5 and for up to 499 people.

Now the licence will be reviewed by the sub-committee following a request made by the environment protection team. The application is on the grounds that operations at the premises undermine the prevention of the public nuisance licensing objective.

Various powers are available to the sub-committee, including suspending or revoking the licence, removing the designated premises supervisor, or modifying the conditions.

West Mercia Police is supporting the review, saying that The Greenhouse is in the top 25 “demand-generating” licensed premises within the force area.

"Demand associated with the venue has remained at a broadly consistent level over the past two year, with eight police-recorded offences linked to the premises during the last 12-month period," said PC Sharon Major.

"Whilst this level of demand has not resulted in West Mercia Police seeking a review of the premises' licence, it does demonstrate a consistent requirement for police intervention and attendance."

Local resident Martin Donnelly said the volume of music "gets louder" as the events progress, leading to crowd noise also increasing.

"This seems to happen because the crowd are shouting to be heard or singing along with the music," said Mr Donnelly.

"The sheer volume and the excessive level of bass coming from the speakers vibrates through the whole of my house meaning there is no escape from the noise at all until the event has finished.

"On the music festival weekend, a UB40 tribute act was playing. It was so loud a picture fell off our kitchen wall due to the excessive vibrations."

Joanne Jordan's property overlooks The Greenhouse's rear garden. She said the noise level has increased to "unacceptable" levels.

"The gigantic speakers erected in the garden for these events are far too excessive for the surroundings with very little respect for neighbouring residents and the environment of a market town," she said.

"It appears the end game is to create a nightclub-type venue encouraging people from out of town to the establishment. I am unable to sit out and enjoy myy garden, front and rear, during the summer months or have any windows open especially as this summer has been so hot.

"Paintings and pictures on my walls vibrate and a couple have fallen off due to the excessive volume level and the bass."

Peter Randell, who lives below the premises, added: "I am tolerant of town 'hubbub' and local community 'noise'.

"The Greenhouse lies on the very fringe of this community of 'condensed' housing and most recently, and in closely preceding times, has seemingly had little respect for its neighbours. Regrettably music has been played at unacceptable levels pervading into my domestic outdoor an indoor spaces."

Councillor Susan Eden, who represents Bridgnorth East, said she received numerous noise complains during the summer, and visited a resident's property during the Robbie Williams tribute event.

"Even whilst sat inside with double-glazed doors and windows closed, I had to raise my voice to be heard," said Councillor Eden.

"It is not my wish to stop these events but to reduce the quantity, frequency and volume of them so residents get some weekends free to be able to sit in their gardens."

In a statement, the directors of The Greenhouse said they take their responsibilities seriously, and work hard to ensure their operating practices are appropriate and proportionate.

"We are legally entitled to 15 TEN events per year yet only apply for 10, two of which are held during the town's busy music festival weekend.

"Our events are varied and enjoyed by thousands of locals and tourists across the summer, bringing considerable variety and economic benefits to the town.

"Following the review application, we have written to the council to ask for further information and evidence to ensure that we are not being singled out in the town, and that they are applying a fair and consistent approach, which is questionable.

"We remain committed to working constructively with the council and local residents, and we're confident that a fair and evidence-based review will reflect the steps we've taken to operate responsibly."