Residents residing near the Paris House pub in Hove have seen their noise-related concerns disregarded by a council licensing panel, which concluded that the level of sound emitted did not consistently reach levels deemed bothersome.
The disagreement arose when residents from four nearby properties brought their worries to the attention of Brighton and Hove City Council regarding noise levels emanating from the popular venue on Western Road. These complaints prompted a review of the pub’s licence by a panel of three councillors, who conducted an eight-hour hearing on May 10.
During the hearing, the panel heard testimonies from both residents and stakeholders, including a sound expert, representatives from the pub’s ownership, and musicians who frequently perform at the venue. Residents, some of whom have resided near the pub for over three decades, recounted instances of disturbed sleep and audible intrusion of music within their homes.
However, despite these grievances, the panel ultimately ruled in favour of the pub, asserting that the noise levels did not meet the criteria for a public nuisance. Citing the vibrant city centre location of the area, with numerous licensed and retail premises, the council deemed a certain level of noise inevitable.
In their statement, the council highlighted that the evidence of noise disturbance was not sufficiently widespread or consistent to constitute a public nuisance. They also noted that several residents living closer to the pub had not reported being disturbed by noise, and environmental and licensing officers’ inspections did not validate the complaints.
Acknowledging the measures already in place, such as the use of a noise limiter and regular noise checks by the resident DJ, the panel recommended the installation of a new sound limiter device, approved and set by an environmental protection officer. This device, once set, will be tamper-free and accessible for adjustments in response to noise complaints. Additionally, all recorded music and DJ sets will be required to adhere to the limitations set by this device.
The panel also stipulated that the outside area of the pub should be closed and cleared by 11pm, in alignment with the existing licence, and management must continue to monitor noise levels both inside and outside the premises.
Although the parent company of Paris House, Rowbell Leisure, was approached for comment, they did not provide a response at this time.
This decision marks a resolution to the contentious issue of noise disturbance surrounding Paris House pub, with the council’s intervention aiming to strike a balance between the interests of residents and the vitality of the city’s nightlife scene.
