A new nightspot in Frome has been given the green light to play live music and serve alcohol, despite objections from nearby residents. Earthaus Property Ltd. obtained approval in May 2024 to convert four existing flats at 1 Saxonvale into an eight-bedroom hotel, offering views of the Saxonvale regeneration site in the town center.
Saxonvale Ltd. plans to transform the ground floor and courtyard area into a café, bar, and late-night events venue, featuring live music and pizza sales. Although facing opposition from locals, the Somerset Council has sanctioned the business, paving the way for its potential opening in the coming months.
During the council’s licensing sub-committee meeting in Shepton Mallet on April 10, the proposed details were deliberated. Andrew Harding, the business owner, envisioned the venture as “a community hub of hospitality, wellness, workspace, and learning in Frome.”
The granted licence permits live music in the ground floor area and courtyard from 5pm to 11pm, Wednesday through Sunday. Recorded music is allowed inside and outside the premises from 8am daily, with varying cut-off times ranging from 10:30pm on Sundays to 2:30am on Fridays and Saturdays.
The venue will also host live dance performances, extending till 2am on Fridays and concluding earlier on other days. Alcohol sales for on-site and off-site consumption are permitted from 8am daily, with last orders up until 10:30pm on Sundays and 2am on Fridays and Saturdays.
As per the agreed conditions with Avon and Somerset Constabulary, the space can accommodate up to 100 people on the ground floor, 60 in its basement, and up to 140 in the courtyard. Temporary events notices were previously utilized for seven licensed events on the site during November and December 2024, prompting one noise-related complaint.
Concerns on potential noise disturbances were raised by local residents before the meeting. John Scott, a resident, expressed worries about the proposed high frequency of live music events, fearing disruption to their home life. Another resident, Joanna Pitcairn, echoed similar sentiments about the impact on tenants' peaceful habitation.
Additionally, Karen Huckle raised concerns about extended opening hours potentially resulting in disturbances and antisocial behavior, especially during low police presence hours. Despite these objections, Mr. Harding assured the sub-committee of investing in soundproofing, implementing sound limiters, and enforcing a no-return policy after certain hours to curb rowdy behavior.
In light of these commitments, the sub-committee upheld the original licence terms and granted approval, allowing the business to proceed with its plans.