COUNCILLORS have been urged to refuse a licence for a new basement event facility in West Cliff.

Bar Beyond is seeking permission to serve alcohol from its new base in the basement of the former Whitley Court hotel until 11pm every day.

But dozens of people have written in opposition to the licence application, warning it could create “incessant” noise problems for people living in the area.

The building above is used as a house in multiple occupation having not been run as a hotel for several years.

An application to convert its basement into the new facility was submitted last August without business owners Shaun De Kment and Wendy Lovett having legal advice.

It was withdrawn in the face of the level of objections it had received.

In a bid to address concerns, the new proposal brings forward the proposed end time for when alcohol can be served with solicitor Philip Day describing it as “radically different”.

“It does not include any form of regulated entertainment…one doesn’t need a licence for it,” he said. “And the hours sought are shorter than the previous application with a further 30 minutes ‘drinking up’ time.”

Bar Beyond is advertised online as a “magical and customisable venue” with a small bar which hosts public events and is also available for private functions.

But potential noise and nuisance issues have prompted objections from 34 people living nearby.

Amongst them is Westbourne and West Cliff ward councillor John Beesley who said he had “significant concerns” about the requested licence.

“The risk will be very difficult for the licence holders to prevent, particularly around access to, and egress from, the premises,” he said.

“Even with a requirement for active door staff at the premises at all times disorder outside and noise from within are unlikely to be contained.”

Alan Hunter, who lives overlooking Whitley Court, said “noise nuisance could potentially be incessant for 365 days a year”.

“Given the types of events advertised as possible on Bar Beyond’s Facebook page and which, in the main, are accompanied by music there is likely to be a huge noise nuisance first and foremost from the live music or DJ,” he said.

“Such music tends to be played at high decibel volumes.”

The application will be considered by a council licensing sub-committee on Tuesday (January 14).