By Local Democracy Reporter Daniel Esson
Plans to play music at a bar’s terrace have been delayed amid fears of “an intolerable effect on residents.”
Sundowner’s bar in Margate will need to show council officers plans for amplified music after being told it could pose a nuisance for neighbours.
In May, Iain Maxstead of Proud Pink Inns applied for permission to Thanet District Council (TDC) to remove a planning restriction which stops Sundowners bar from playing amplified music on the terrace. The terrace is owned by Thanet council.
Since 2007, the planning restriction on the space above the Victorian Shelter on Marine Drive in the town has disallowed the LGBTQIA+ bar from playing amplified music, although they point out that massive concert venue Dreamland sits only a few minutes walk away.
TDC’s planning committee was meant to decide on the bid at a meeting on August 21 but have deferred the decision to assess noise levels.
With a gallery packed with public supporters, Mr Maxstead insisted to the committee: “We do not seek to play loud music we seek to play background music for customers and visitors.
The music is intended “To give atmosphere to our customers who are enjoying the view and the general ambience of Margate seafront,” he continued.
“We all hear Dreamland no matter where we live in the district, nobody truly will hear the music from the terrace.”
Some town centre councillors backed the bid, with mayor of Margate Cllr Jack Packman (Lab) telling the committee: “The owners of Sundowners have been very clear that they do not intend to have loud music or live performances in the terraced area under the current application.
“Sundowners represents a key underrepresented group and has consistently provided a safe space for the LGBTQIA+ community,” he added.
Cllr Rob Yates (Lab), a former mayor himself, said: “Dreamland and their noise receives a much larger number of complaints if I’m honest.
“The economic benefit of having amplified music outweighs the impact on the residential amenities and surrounding neighbours.
“I’m very concerned that the Sundowners venue would not be viable without having amplified music on this terrace, and as one of the few dedicated queer-friendly venues in East Kent this would greatly damage the local economy.”
The application had received 90 letters of support from the public, and 28 objecting to it, but TDC officers were recommending members vote down the plans on grounds of noise disturbance.
Some residents of nearby Albert Terrace are not so enthused by the plans for outdoor music.
Brett Moore, a planning expert speaking on behalf of resident James Read, told the committee: “The current application seeks your consent to allow amplified music to be played on the terraced area for up to ten and a half hours a day, every day for seven months of the year.
“Since April 2021 it’s understood that your environmental health officers have received 14 separate complaints from occupiers of nine residential properties in Albert Terrace.
“Members should be aware that all complaints relate to the unlawful playing of amplified music on the terrace deck.”
He stressed that allowing the music “would represent an inappropriate, unneighbourly and wholly unacceptable form of development.”
Cllr Steve Albon (Lab) said that: “For Sundowners to play their music, albeit at a low level on the sun deck is their choice – the residents don’t get a choice, they’ve got to listen to it.
“Everybody has a right to live in their home without interference especially from loud music.”
Though, he stressed that a middle ground could be reached, and suggested that council officers look to find a volume which they would think is acceptable.
TDC’s environmental health team strongly objected to the application because of the noise, and a planning officer told the meeting: “Their comment does make clear that even at background levels there would be harm to neighbouring properties.”
Cllr Kristian Bright (Lab) said that “with a heavy heart” he would vote to refuse the application, adding:“I just think it has an intolerable effect on residents, they’ve lived through it already, and at whatever level I think it would be very difficult for them to just get on and live their lives.
“They can’t just go out and get triple glazing or something like that.”
Cllr Mark Rattigan (Con) stressed the need “to strike a balance” between the interests of Sundowners and neighbours.
“You’re not living in the countryside you’re always going to have noise around there,” he added.
The committee voted to defer the decision to a later date to collect more information.
Council officers will now go to Sundowners to see the speakers which are to be used and assess the volumes, before it comes to the planning committee again for a decision.
