By Local Democracy Reporter Daniel Mumby
A new Frome nightspot can play live music and sell alcohol to its patrons despite concerns raised by neighbouring residents.
Earthaus Property Ltd secured permission in May 2024 to turn four existing flats at 1 Saxonvale into an eight-bedroom hotel, which would overlook the Saxonvale regeneration site in the town centre.
The Saxonvale Ltd has sought to open the ground floor and courtyard area as a café, bar and late night events venue, which could include playing live music and selling pizzas to local customers.
Despite objections from local residents, Somerset Council has agreed to grant the Frome business a licence, meaning it could be up and running within the next few months.
The details of the proposals were discussed by the council’s licensing sub-committee east when it met in Shepton Mallet on 10th April.
Andrew Harding, the owner of the business, described the venture as “a community hub of hospitality, wellness, workspace and learning in Frome.”
Under the licence, live music can be played within the ground floor area and courtyard from 5pm to 11pm from Wednesday to Sunday each week.
Recorded music will be allowed both inside and outside the premises from 8am daily, with the cut-off ranging from 10.30pm on Sundays to 2.30am on Fridays and Saturdays.
Live dance performances will also be permitted on site, and can be staged as late as 2am on Fridays (with an earlier finish on other days of the week).
Alcohol can be sold for consumption on and off the premises from 8am daily, with last orders ranging from 10.30pm on Sundays to 2am on Fridays and Saturdays.
Under conditions agreed with Avon and Somerset Constabulary, the premises can accommodate up to 100 people on the ground floor, along with 60 in its basement facility up to 140 in the courtyard.
Seven licensed events were held on the site throughout November and December 2024 using temporary events notices (TENs) – with one complaint of excessive noise being lodged.
Several local residents submitted concerns about noise ahead of the meeting, arguing that holding so many live music events would harm their quality of life.
John Scott, who lives at 2 Church Street, said, “Four nights of music per week feels excessive and will be highly disruptive to our home life. There is no sound insulation between the proposed venue and our home.
“My son has autistic spectrum disorder and needs peace to relax and maintain good mental health.”
Joanna Pitcairn (who owns the property Mr Scott lets) concurred, stating: “Any tenant living in this property will have their right to enjoy peaceful occupation of the property they are resting in violated.
“Any child living in my property would be deprived of sleep, which is vital for children’s health.
“Any music would need to be of a level so as not to cause a nuisance.”
Karen Huckle added, “Late opening hours will disturb residents particularly during the week.
“Other customers will gravitate here as other venues close for the night, and extended drinking hours are likely to lead to antisocial behaviour at a time when police presence is minimal.
“The planned closing times will inevitably lead to street disturbance in the early hours of the morning.
“I am not convinced that an ‘arts club’ needs such extended opening or drinking hours.”
Mr Harding said he intended to invest in significant soundproofing for the venue and would implement “sound limiters” on his speakers to reduce disturbance to local residents.
He added that he would operate a “no-return policy” after a certain time in the evening, policed by security guards, which would “reduce the chances of rowdy behaviour”.
In light of these reassurances, the sub-committee voted to grant the licence on its originally proposed terms.
Pictured: Planned Site of New Hotel on Saxonvale in Frome (Google Maps)
