Tithe Barn granted premises licence

THE newly refurbished Tithe Barn in Nailsea will soon be able to host weddings and family parties after it was granted a premises licence.

Despite objections from neighbours living in Church Lane who raised issues about possible noise disturbance and parking problems, North Somerset Council’s licencing sub-committee agreed to grant the licence at a meeting on Monday, as long as two conditions are met.

The Tithe Barn’s management committee must carry out regular checks to ensure there is no significant noise break-out from the premise and it must also keep records of any complaints which relate to licence objections.

Speaking after the meeting, Nailsea Town Council clerk Ian Morrell said: “I think it was a fair hearing and we are pleased to have the licence, but we want to make sure that the neighbours and the people in the community value what goes on in the barn.

“We are going to do everything we possibly can to make sure there isn’t any nuisance to neighbours.

“We want the barn to be used, but responsibly, so neighbours can enjoy having it there.”

Mr Morrell confirmed the Tithe Barn has a noise limiter which cuts the power at the venue if the noise goes over an agreed limit.

He added that it would be in the booking policy that people do not go outside to the north of the building to smoke, to keep any outdoor noise away from neighbours.

There will be no bar at the barn and food and alcohol will be provided by external caterers during events, although alcohol will not be permitted outdoors. Caterers and caretakers will enforce the barn’s policies during the events.

Mr Morrell said barn users would be encouraged to park at The Grove Sports Centre, Holy Trinity Church and a school in Whiteoak Way.

He also added that bookings will not be taken for 18th and 21st birthday parties.

He added: “Whereas the Ring of Bells and to a certain extent The Grove are drinking establishments the barn is not and we have no interest in turning it into one.

“We need to work with the neighbours closely. We would like the residents to be involved in the management committee, so we can have regular meetings and get regular feedback.”

Regulated entertainment will be permitted at the venue from 8am-11pm from Sunday-Thursday and from 8am-midnight on Friday and Saturday.

Alcohol can be served from 12noon-10pm on Thursday and Sunday and from 12noon-11pm on Friday and Saturday.

The management committee is hoping to hold a range of events from music festivals and heritage events to weddings and anniversary parties.

Nailsea Town Council is due to move into the barn on May 19 and the official opening of the venue will take place on June 18.