New micropub set to open in Northumberland after plans approved

The application, for the premises at 10 West Road, Ponteland, was approved by seven votes to one, with one abstention, at a meeting of the Castle Morpeth Local Area Council on March 9.

The bid had sparked seven objections, but also 16 letters of support, and came before the committee due to the opposition of Ponteland Town Council.

Coun Alan Hall, from the town council, said: “We think it’s the wrong location for this type of development.”

He echoed the concerns raised by the nearest residential neighbour which included noise late at night, people dropping rubbish and cigarette ends, nuisance from cars, taxis and delivery vehicles, and the fear of ‘her gable wall being used as a urinal’.

But applicant Michael Barnes addressed these concerns and explained that this is very much a plan for a micropub, whose clientele ‘are more interested in the quality than the quantity of drinks’.

“I respect and understand the concerns, but feel they could have been avoided if the person who made them better understood the concept of a micropub,” he said.

Following a series of questions, which covered the likes of a requirement for a noise management plan, Coun David Towns moved approval, saying: “I think the concerns can be addressed by the nature of the business and the conditions we are putting in place.”

Coun Scott Dickinson added: “I think this is the direction of travel for our towns.”

However, Coun Richard Dodd, the local ward member, said: “I’m very uneasy about this application because of its proximity to residential and the old folks’ home.

“I applaud what is being proposed; it’s a different option, a welcome option, but it’s in the wrong place.”

The Micropub and Microbrewery Association states a “micropub is a small freehouse which listens to its customers, mainly serves cask ales, promotes conversation, shuns all forms of electronic entertainment and dabbles in traditional pub snacks”.

Such venues have been growing in popularity in recent years while more traditional pubs have been struggling.