More than a dozen objections have been raised at plans for a city centre bar to open up until 3am in an area local people say is blighted by "extreme disturbance" and noise.
People are angry about plans for a new bar to open on the second floor of a building based on the corner of Brunswick Street and The Strand, which already houses a number of licensed premises.
An application has been made for a premises licence for the second floor of the 50 Brunswick Street building. The applicant - 2ndfloorbrunswick Limited - wants the venue to open until 3am from Monday to Sunday.
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But the plans have been met with strong objections from a large number of people living in flats nearby who all say they are already suffering because of the late night premises in the surrounding areas. Many of them live in the adjacent building Beetham Plaza.
One said: "As a resident of Beetham Plaza we have already faced late night disturbances in this residential area, resulting in reduced quality of sleep and fears of personal safety late at night. I’m a firm supporter of the hospitality sector in Liverpool, but believe late night licenses in a residential area such as ours will harm the quality of life of local residents who call this city home."
Another said: "This is predominantly a residential area. The other bars and restaurants in the surrounding area close at approx midnight, a late licence is not required and inconsiderate to residents. There have been numerous issues affecting residents of Beetham Plaza and Strand Plaza in the past with loud noise disturbance from music and also patrons causing noise leaving the premises, loitering outside, shouting and making noise after closing time. By extending this to a 7 day week and a later closing time this would have a major impact on residents and we therefore oppose."
Another objector said noise from the same building is already causing "extreme nuisance and disturbance," adding: "There are people showing abusive gesture towards my apartment at night and making me uncomfortable. Furthermore, they are blasting loud music which is causing serious mental health issues to to lack of sleep."
It is not only local residents raising concerns about the plans for a new licensed premises in the building. City centre councillor Nick Small has also raised his own objections.
He said: "There have been numerous incidents of public nuisance from these premises, including neighbouring residents being disturbed by loud music emanating from the premises late at night and patrons causing noise leaving the premises. The premises at this end of Brunswick Street are located immediately opposite one end of the Beetham Plaza development and apartments immediately face the premises. This has meant that noise can be heard in residents’ bedrooms and living rooms.
Liverpool Council's environmental health team have also raised concerns about the planned opening house. Officer Ian Rushforth said: "Environmental Health have concerns that extending the opening hours of the premises until 3am would exacerbate previously reported issues with noise and disruption occurring in the street outside the premises after they have closed at the end of trading(currently 2am).
"There are no other premises in the immediate vicinity which trade beyond 2am, therefore existing background noise levels on Brunswick Street tend to drop off after that time."
A hearing will now be held at Liverpool Town Hall where the council's licensing committee will deliberate and decide on the plans.
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