The rejection of a plan for a roof terrace beer garden at a Strathearn pub has been defended by Perth and Kinross Council.
The local authority has claimed the main reason for rejecting the proposal by Belhaven Brewery to create the ‘outdoor space’ at The Square in Crieff was due to concerns over the impact of noise on residents living above the bar.
This follows Belhaven Brewery writing to the Scottish Government’s planning and environmental appeals division (DPEA) to contest the rejection by the council, citing the fact the council’s interim development quality manager had initially recommended approval of the plan subject to five conditions.
In a recent appeal response submitted by Perth and Kinross Council to DPEA, the local authority claims the potential for “significant levels” of noise affecting the occupants of flats above The Square bar – formerly the Caledonian Bar – has consistently been recognised by the council’s environmental health team.
“It is important that there have already been existing complaints from the flats above the pub in respect of amplified music from within the premises,” the document states.
“That is where there are barriers to the noise escaping, namely walls and floors/ceilings.”
“If the proposed outdoor area is permitted to operate there will be no such barriers to prevent noise being heard in and significantly affecting the residential amenity of the flats above. Music, amplified or otherwise could also escape through the new door to the proposed outdoor area.”
The council highlight the fact that the brewery’s plan included acoustic screening, but claim this will be “of no benefit” to residents living in flats above The Square bar.
“It is noticeable that the objections received relate to the flats above the pub and not to detached, neighbouring properties,” the appeal statement adds.
“There is clearly a lot of concern over the proposal.”
The council document continues: “Irrespective of the hours of use of the outdoor area, high levels of noise will be generated that will escape upwards to affect the flats above.”
“There is no indication or evidence to suggest there will be any difference in the level of noise in the outdoor area between the suggested restriction of 10am to 6pm and the later hour sought of 9pm.”
