Former Water House pub in Durham to reopen under new ownership

The proposal by Hospitality chain Amber Taverns to reopen the once popular pub has taken a step forward after it passed a Durham County Council licensing hearing. 

The council approved a proposal to reduce the pub’s opening hours from 9am to 1am every day. Live music and the showing of films between those hours has also been approved. 

Licensing documents submitted to Durham County Council suggest a new karaoke room will be created at the venue.

Situated in former Water Board offices, the former Water House Wetherspoons pub would be busy on weekends with residents, students and day trippers to Durham. 

The licensing authority received 11 letters in opposition to the application from residents

An initial application requested for outdoor areas to be used for drinking, but has since been adjusted. It comes after an objection letter on behalf of residents read: “There have not previously been any outdoor areas used for drinking, smoking, or gathering in any of these locations. Were this to change in any way, this would have very signifcant adverse impacts on residents. The primary adverse impact is noise.

“We object to this proposal on the basis that sale of alcohol on the premises would be likely to exacerbate the existing problems in the area of on-street drinking, underage drinking, litter, public urination and associated antisocial behaviour and crime.”

Situated in former Water Board offices, the former Water House Wetherspoons pub was busy on weekends with residents, students and day trippers to Durham. (Image: Sarah Caldecott)

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The objection also stated how residents are opposed to live music and dancing at the venue, calling the development of a new karaoke room ”a cause for concern”. 

“I and other residents are not against all licensed businesses or nightlife,” the statement concluded. “We would like to work constructively with the county council and licence applicants or holders to find a balance that ensures that licenced premises close to Tenter Terrace are able to succeed whilst operating in ways that do not have adverse impacts for residents and communities.”

However, the plans were approved by Durham County Council’s Statutory Licensing Sub Committee on the condition that: the premises will monitor noise at the rear of the premises when regulated entertainment is taking place after 9pm; observations will be documented on a noise monitoring log sheet and if noise generated from regulated entertainment at the premises is determined to be too loud it will be turned down.