Westward Ho! music bar can go ahead with no noise restriction, say councillors

Torridge councillors have decided against putting rigid restrictions on a new live music bar they have approved in a popular coastal resort in a bid to maximise its success.

They said a 45 decibel (dB) noise limit at the site boundary, which equates to quiet library noise, was ‘ridiculously low’ for Guillemot Gardens at Golf Links Road in Westward Ho! which already operates as a drinking venue.

And they disagreed with their environmental protection team about restricting music events to two days a week, saying they could take place anytime between the hours of 11am and 11pm.

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Applicant Alan Smith was applying to Torridge District Council for retrospective permission for a new bar and storage building, pergolas and proposed band stand shelter and associated works at the site on the seafront.

Planning officers had recommended refusal of the new application because of its impact on nearby residents and a lack of evidence around noise levels.

Above: The Guillemot Gardens at Westward Ho! Credit: Torridge District Council

The council had received complaints, particularly in relation to ‘large’ events at the application site this year, which although not substantiated, did suggest that the noise limit of 45 dB had been breached, said officers.

But agent for the applicant, Rebecca Fearnley, said 45 dB could not be complied with taking into account the background noise of the sea, storms and traffic and wind direction.

Instead noise monitoring was proposed by a sound expert which did not set limits but focused on ‘a suite of practical management’ designed to minimise impact on the community.

She said if the application was refused the land might have to be developed into something else as it was a struggle to see it being sustainable long term.

Westward Ho! Councillor Louis Bach said substantial effort and resources had been put in to make this venue an attractive place to visit and it had received very positive reviews.

Westward Ho! had become a popular holiday destination and was flourishing this year in particular with car parks full to capacity, he said.

He pleaded with councillors not to refuse the application and put jobs at risk as it would mean ‘another empty eyesore in our village’.

Other councillors said supporting the local tourist industry was part of Torridge’s policy.

Cllr Doug Bushby described Westward Ho! as ‘riding on the crest of a wave’ and it would be fantastic for the whole area if the business was allowed to continue.

He said it was a tough time for the hospitality and entertainment industry and it should be supported. A time limit on the music was the only condition that was needed, he said, adding that it would be very hard to set a noise limit on live music events.

Councillors noted there had been no complaints from residents to the application.

Cllr Peter Hames said he had experienced loud music coming from the venue and felt it was important that councillors took officers’ advice.

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Planning manager Helen Smith said officers were supportive of the business, but had requested robust noise assessment data from the applicants to inform conditions on the planning application, which had not been forthcoming.

Members agreed a noise management plan should be submitted by the applicant but did not specify a noise level restriction.

They supported the application by seven votes to one.