A controversial application to licence an outdoor bar and stage area at the Weymouth Bay holiday centre will be decided this week.

Dorset councillors are being asked on Tuesday (12) to decide if objections from homes nearby are enough to stop a licence being granted.

The council has received 160 letters on the application – almost all saying their peace and enjoyment of their homes will be affected if the changes are allowed. Some of the letters also mention light pollution from the holiday site.

Haven Leisure has asked to extend its premises licence for an outdoor stage and container bar area at the site off Preston Road.

Objections have come from the closest homes in Halstock Close, Fisherbridge Road and adjoining areas.

The site is asking to have the ability to hold entertainment every day between 11am and 9pm; films on three days a week between 11am and 11pm and on and off sales of alcohol every day between 11am and 11pm.

The business says that the outdoor stage has been orientated away from homes and will be used for film nights, children’s entertainment, and live music, limited to vocalists and acoustic sets. Noise limiting equipment is also being proposed.

Local area councillor Louie O’Leary told a previous Weymouth Town Council meeting there had been complaints about noise from the holiday site over the years and he believed the application would be a step too far for residents.

Town councillors are recommending the application be refused because of fears over additional noise and the potential for anti-social behaviour.

Letters to the licensing meeting include comments such as “The noise pollution of having live and recorded music and films from 11.00 am until 9pm every day throughout the summer months will be detrimental to our mental health and wellbeing, should this licence application be granted as it stands.”

Said another objection: “I am 100% against this as it is going to cause uncontrolled noise and rowdy behaviour. It is not the sort of thing we want in Preston. If they want this type of thing then they should go into Weymouth town. Preston is a residential area and it will be spoilt for ever.”

A Fisherbridge Road resident has written to tell councillors: “We do not feel that a licence for live music /films etc on this large scale, despite allocated hours, should be granted so near to a residential area and properties. Noise pollution needs to be seriously considered, and reflection as to whether if you were to live in such near proximity to the site you would wish to have this taking place?”

The meeting, which is open to the public, is being held in the Council Chamber at County Hall, Dorchester, starting at 10am. Decisions are not usually announced on the day.
Dorset Council say that, because of technical problems, it is unlikely to be able to 'broadcast' the meeting to the internet.