Shrewsbury bar loses appeal to remove limits on live outdoor performances
A bar and venue in Shrewsbury will only be able to have six amplified live performances outside each year, after their appeal to throw out the limit was dismissed.
The former River Thai Restaurant and Bar in Shrewsbury was given permission to be turned into a bar and events venue in August last year.
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Applicant, Anthony Paterson, said the "ever-rising costs" of utility bills resulted in the remodelling of the business, which included a rebrand to 'Venue 7', removing the kitchen and shifting the focus onto hosting wedding receptions and other celebrations.
During the original application process, several locals and Shrewsbury Town Council objected to the plans, raising concerns about the impact the change could have on noise levels.
When Shropshire Council granted permission for the change, several conditions were put in place, including limiting the number of amplified live performances in the outside area to six per calendar year.
In order to "protect [the] amenity of surrounding residents and nearby hotel guests", those six performances would also have to finish by 11pm and DJ sets were not permitted outside.
But in November 2024, Anthony Paterson, acting on behalf of River Thai Restaurant & Bar, submitted an appeal with the Government Planning Inspectorate against that condition.
Now, planning inspector G Sibley has dismissed the appeal, upholding the council's decision.
In the report, the inspector said several service requests had been received by the council's environmental protection officer in relation to noise disturbances arising at the venue concerning music played outside.
It continued: "The officer identified that they were able to hear music being played at the venue from nearby residential properties located a considerable distance away from the venue.
"Comments were also received regarding the application and this appeal which identified concerns with noise disturbances occurring late into the evening to a level that led to excessive noise exposure.
"Even if these service requests were received relatively recently, it is evident that concerns have been raised related to this matter by several different people.
"Based upon the submissions to the application and the appeal noise from the venue can be heard in close proximity to residential buildings which can be sensitive to noise disturbances, especially when it occurs late in the evening or early in the morning.
"Without a condition controlling the number and finish time of amplified live performances on the outside terrace, the occupiers could be exposed to noise exceeding reasonable levels throughout the year at any time."
The original application and the planning inspector's decision are available to view on Shropshire Council's planning portal using the reference: 24/01805/FUL
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