New Northumberland café and delicatessen in empty Belford shop granted alcohol licence

A premises licence has been granted for 3 High Street in Belford, following a hearing of Northumberland County Council’s licensing sub-committee on Thursday, July 30.

The original application was for alcohol sales from 8am to midnight, but this was amended the day before the hearing to 8am to 11pm.

Applicant Jane Hearne said that she would not be serving alcohol on the premises before 12pm, but the morning hours allowed takeaway sales, for example, Lindisfarne Mead being bought by holiday-makers.

It was also confirmed that while the licence included off-sales, there would be no drinking outside the premises, and that the applicant had agreed to conditions proposed by Northumbria Police, including the installation of CCTV.

Mrs Hearne told the meeting that the proposal was to have a licensed deli selling bottled beers and wines alongside cold food, with a small speaker for music.

However, the application had sparked six objections – although one of these was from the tenant next door, who is now leaving and no longer felt it was appropriate to be involved.

The owner of 1 High Street, Alison Turnbull, said that she had concerns about nuisance in terms of noise, behaviour and aggravation.

“I have two bedrooms above the premises and the whole of the side of my property adjoins this premises. If it’s going to be run as a bar, I have concerns, if it’s going to be run as a licensed deli then I’m all for it.”

She said that she would support a licence until 6pm, but not later into the evening, adding: “I just feel as a residential home, it would be severely affected.”

Mrs Hearne pointed out that soundproofing is currently being installed.

A change of use planning application for the property was lodged in late May, followed by a linked listed building consent bid, both of which are awaiting a decision.

Discussing these at its meeting in late June, Belford Parish Council supported the proposals, but concerns were expressed about a late licence.

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