Hampshire County Council alcohol licence bid faces objections

Hampshire County Council wants to sell alcohol from the first floor of Serle’s House in Southgate Street.

It wants to serve alcohol on the premises from 10am to 11pm every day.

The Smythe Room and Banqueting Room on the first floor would also host wedding ceremonies, receptions and dinners.

Ten people have formally objected to the licence, citing fears over noise and public nuisance.

Steve Barber, of Sleepers Hill, told the council the proposed alcohol-sale hours were “excessive for a location in such close proximity to residential properties”.

He added: “Extending alcohol sales throughout the day and into the late evening is likely to increase noise, disturbance, and anti-social behaviour, particularly during the evening when residents reasonably expect peace and quiet in their homes.”

Gar Street resident John Oliver also objected.

Serle's House (Image: Chris Atkinson)

He said: “The entrance to Serle’s House is very close to the entrances to the residential houses and associated parking of 1 to 10 Gar Street. To the best of my knowledge there has been no consultation with us as residents on this proposal.”

Archery Lane residents Annabelle and Peter Halsor urged Winchester City Council to reject the application.

They said: “It needs to be acknowledged that Serle House sits adjacent to a Private Residential Area, not a council-funded space. 55 residents fund a considerable amount annually for the preservation, upkeep and expectant tranquillity of the Estate. Serle's House does not contribute financially to The Estates care or infrastructure, placing the onus entirely on residents.

“There are already ongoing challenges concerning the security of the Estate, with students and revellers treating this private land as a public area and cut-through. Indeed, there are a number of complaints on record to demonstrate the unacceptable levels of noise suffered by the residents during the day and night. This proposed Alcohol Licence would exacerbate this issue significantly.”

Brian and Zoe Cooper, of Gar Street, were the only residents not to oppose the licence. They said: “We do not object to the granting of a licence, but we would only ask that appropriate conditions be applied to request guests leaving the venue and entering the private residential area. In particular smoking or vaping – ideally, we would ask that this is prohibited if entering the residential zone.”

Winchester City Council’s licensing subcommittee will decide the application on Tuesday, September 8.

The application follows plans revealed last year to make the building available to the Registration Service for weddings and other civil ceremonies.