Objections to pub's plans for outdoor music

Arun District Council’s licensing sub-committee will determine an application by the owners of the Black Rabbit, in Mill Road, Arundel, on Friday.

The licence variation includes plans to allow music as late as 1am on Fridays and Saturdays – as well as tweaks to the internal layout and enabling late night outdoor drinking.

But brewers Hall and Woodhouse noted recorded music outside would cease at 11pm.

Arundel and Walberton councillor Paul Dendle, joined in his objection by Arundel Town Council and several residents, said: “I believe this is a development too far. If the committee did agree to music outside, firstly it should be restricted to only two to four events a year, there should be provision of acoustic screening for residents at either end of the site and there should be security supervision.”

Mr Dendle also claimed continued noise could have an adverse effect on the habitat of the nearby Arundel Wetland Centre and Offham Hanger, which he said had peregrine falcons nesting.

An explanatory note submitted by Hall and Woodhouse read: “The Live Music Act deregulates the provision of recorded music on on-licensed premises between 8am and 11pm.

“Nevertheless, it is considered appropriate to retain recorded music on the licence for the full extent of the permitted hours but please note the conditions limiting recorded music to 11pm in any external area.”

A condition agreed between the brewer and Sussex Police states children under 18 on site after 9pm must be part of a function or having a sit down meal, accompanied by an adult.