THE Goods Shed arts centre in Tetbury has been given permission to hold outdoor events and sell alcohol, despite concerns from neighbours about noise and nuisance.

The arts centre, operated by the Tetbury Rail Lands Regeneration Trust (TRLRT), opened late last year after an extensive refurbishment of the old railway station building. It is hoped that the arts centre will help revitalise the town and bring in more visitors.

Cotswold District Council’s licensing sub-committee granted the premises licence on Wednesday, April 19, as the conditions outlined in the application were considered to be sufficient to prevent noise disturbance.

The arts centre will be able to open from 8am to 10pm on Mondays to Saturdays, and from 10am to 8pm on Sundays and Bank Holidays, due to planning permission granted in 2014.

The newly granted licence means that the Goods Shed will now be able to sell alcohol from noon to 10pm on Mondays to Saturdays, and from noon to 8pm on Sundays.

It will also be able to hold events involving dance, films, live music, recorded music and plays, from 9am to 10pm on Mondays to Saturdays, and from 10am to 8pm on Sundays.

Live music and plays can be held outdoors as well as indoors.

Speaking to the district council’s licensing sub-committee, TRLRT chairman Will Cook said that the sale and consumption of alcohol was intended to supplement the entertainment activities and that the cafe selling drinks and food will only operate when there are events.

Addressing issues with noise, he said: “We have gone through a lot of trouble to put acoustic glass on the roof. We have also got extra thick doors in the foyer to break sound coming from the building.

“We have had 65 events and up till now, we have not had complaints from the residents.

“A meeting with residents was very successful. People who came applauded us for what we are trying to achieve. Even among those who did complain, most want the arts centre to succeed and be an asset to the town.”

The art centre’s application received nine letters of objection. The main concerns were noise disturbance with the sale of alcohol and outdoor activities.

Objector Alan Simcock, who lives near the Goods Shed, said at the meeting: “We were told that the Goods Shed did not intend to hire out the area for parties, however, private functions were given the go ahead in January.”

He said that people were encouraged to hire the venue for private functions in an edition of the Tetbury Advertiser.

He continued: “Outdoor performances will have an effect on neighbours and wildlife. How do you control the noise of the crowd? How do you control underage drinking?”

Despite the opposition, the licence was granted by Cotswold District Council under the condition that the steps recommended by the police and the council’s environmental health officer were adopted.

Under police guidance, the Goods Shed will have to adopt the Challenge 25 scheme, where people who look under 25 will be asked to verify their age; train all staff in their responsibilities and only sell alcohol under the supervision of a trained staff member; section off outdoor areas when in use; and use polycarbonate cups if alcohol is taken outdoors.

TRLRT will also have to submit a noise management procedure for approval, as recommended by the environmental health officer.