Wine bar bid in Barnard Castle delayed amid noise concerns

An alcohol licence application for the proposed venue in the County Durham town was adjourned until after the assessments in light of the serious concerns. 

The applicant, Morgan Derbyshire, said opening the Inglenook Wine Bar at The Bank would help revitalise a historic building and support the high street. 

Mr Derbyshire told a Durham County Council licensing hearing: “The Inglenook will serve as a wine merchant offering a wide selection not found in supermarkets. It will provide flexible space for locals and visitors to enjoy a glass of wine or a cup of coffee without being noisy or disruptive. 

The applicant Morgan Derbyshire said opening the Inglenook Wine Bar at The Bank would help revitalise a historic building and support the high street.  (Image: Google)

“The Bank is a historic street filled with many independent businesses and the Inglenook hopes to become a part of this vibrant community, building growth, supporting the local economy, and creating jobs.”

However, several neighbours voiced their concerns at the hearing over the venue’s impact on their livelihoods and the surrounding area. The proposed wine bar is located within the historic and listed Ancient Manor House property. 

David Hepburn, whose property adjoins the proposed wine bar, said the walls are so thin that he can hear Mr Derbyshire sneezing and coughing next door. He told the hearing: “We hear every single thing that is said. There was one point we were going to go round and ask if he needed any Lemsip. The last thing we want to have is people serving alcohol next door. 

“Never in a million years would we expect something like a bar opening up next door to us. It’s put us in a very very disturbing and emotional place. We want to stay in Barnard Castle but there is no way we would be able to handle this right next door to us.”

Peter Colley said the area, which he claimed is predominantly residential, does not require regeneration.

He added: “I have no grounds to be confident that a licensee, who chose not to engage in meaningful consultation with neighbours, will be capable of handling disorder; rowdiness, smoking on my property and trespassing. I cannot and will not expose my grandchildren to alcohol-related activities.”

Liz Colley added: “I can’t believe Mr Derbyshire has been able to come along and disrupt my life so much.”

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But Mr Derbyshire disputed claims that the venue would lead to increased disorder.

“The idea of the Inglenook is to be a small, intimate, quiet venue, not a loud Popworld club,” he said.

“Given the fact that my business will close earlier than many others along the Bank, I don’t see why this will lead to an increase in anti-social behaviour.”

The alcohol licence will be reconsidered later this year. 

Committee chair councillor Carole Hampson, said: “We are minded to adjourn this application until the applicant has liaised with environmental health and [sought] an independent noise assessment. What the committee has heard does not give us confidence that the licensing objectives will be promoted.”