A HISTORIC village pub has been given permission to stay open till 1am at weekends when it reopens next month.

But concerns from neighbours of the 15th century Crown Inn at the Lea over possible late-night noise and bad behaviour led to its owners’ licensing application being passed to councillors to decide on.

Local resident Steve Banner told the county’s licensing subcommittee that while recent work on the pub and its environs will go a very long way towards rejuvenating the centre of the village, the late licence has considerable potential to cause disturbance.

Ben Savidge said that his parents Rose and Mark intended to create ‘a beautiful, family-friendly pub, with the community at its heart’.

“The pub will maintain a classic country pub feel and will not be playing live music except on special occasions.

“We will also stop serving customers an hour before closing time, to allow their gradual, phased exit,” he added.

Following discussions with officials, its doors and windows will be closed at 11pm, speakers will be angled away from houses, and outdoor speakers will be switched off at 10pm.

The pub’s recently appointed manager Tom Howarth said he had urged this approach based on his experience of working in New Zealand, as it means “you don’t have everyone out on the streets within 20 minutes of each other”.

Mr Savidge urged councillors: “It’s more than fair to make this the viable hub it needs to be for the local community, which will repay the massive investment that’s gone into restoring this beautiful, listed building.”

Confirming approval of the application, committee chairman Cllr Polly Andrews said members fully recognise concerns raised by the public, but also acknowledged the applicants’ attempts to engage with the community over these.

The conditions agreed by the applicant ‘are proportionate’ she concluded.