North Norfolk hotel faces backlash to alcohol licence bid

The Maltings in Weybourne, which is owned by pub group Chestnut Group, is currently shut while it undergoes a major redevelopment.

Plans are afoot to reopen soon and an application has been lodged with North Norfolk Council to serve alcohol until 1am, extending the current licencing hours which end at 10.30pm.

Views across the village of Weybourne from Kelling Heath (Image: Newsquest)

The owners say it is their "biggest" revamp project yet, promising to turn the historic site into a destination wedding venue and hotel complete with its own restaurant and bar.

But there are a growing number of objectors to its hopes of late guests enjoying a drink late into the night.

Several people have written to NNC to complain about the application to extend licencing hours, worrying that it will lead to locals being disturbed by noise caused by the evening soirees.

The bid also includes provision for indoor live music to be permitted in the hotel's barn until 1am, leading to further concerns of restless nights in the future.

READ MORE: Development given green light despite mistrust over affordable homes promise

Councillor Victoria Holliday (Image: Newsquest)

Vice chairman of NNC, Dr Victoria Holliday, has also weighed in on the dispute and urged the local authority to reject the application as it stands over fears people living locally "will have
the peaceful enjoyment of their homes destroyed". 

Chestnut Group has submitted a detailed noise management plan to the council, in which it promises to keep doors and windows closed to prevent noise from disturbing those living nearby.

In addition, it promises to be in regular contact with locals and will respond to any complaints.

Norfolk Constabulary and the NNC licencing team have said they have no objections to make about the plans.

North Norfolk councillors will meet at a licencing committee meeting on February 13 to debate the application and make a decision on whether to approve it or not.