An Angus guest house owner has been warned to be a good neighbour after being granted a premises licence.
Councillors on the licensing board agreed to grant the application for the nine-bedroom Grey Harlings Guest House in Montrose subject to additional conditions.
The on-sales licence was granted by the committee despite an objection from Kevin Prudhoe and Tracey Prudhoe whose family home is immediately to the side of the property.
Mr Prudhoe said that since 2015 his family has been increasingly disturbed by “anti-social noise” as a result of activities at the guest house including live bands, ceilidhs and guests drinking in the garden.
He played the committee an audio clip of noise from a recent function in the garden and said the grant of a premises licence would “only add to the current unacceptable situation”.
Owner Keith Watson denied the claims of excessive noise and said Mr Prudhoe’s audio clip was of children playing on a bouncy castle during a birthday party in the afternoon.
Arbroath West and Letham SNP councillor Alex King said: “You have to develop your business with sympathy and consideration for your neighbours.
“It appears you are allowing your residents to run riot – that is not acceptable in 2017.
“You have a responsibility to ensure your guests stay quiet. I’m very very disappointed at what is coming forward here.”
Mr King suggested there should be restrictions imposed if the licence was granted.
The Board agreed to permit the consumption of alcohol in the outside courtyard, patio and gazebo areas until 9pm each night.
In addition, the Board specified that no alcohol is to be consumed in any other external area of the premises.
Capacity would be limited to 30 and there would be no music in the outside areas.
Alcohol would be served until midnight on Friday and Saturday.
Mr Watson and Mr Prudhoe said they were both happy with the restrictions.
Arbroath West and Letham Independent councillor David Fairweather said: “I’m sure if there are problems they will come back to this board.”
Licensing Board convener Craig Fotheringham said: “Now that it is licensed this committee has control over it and if there are any further complaints it will be dealt with.”
