Dozens object to wedding venue's music and alcohol plans
But the licence was granted - with a few conditions
Jack PittsLocal Democracy Reporter
Dozens of objections from nearby residents could not stop a farm from getting a licence to serve alcohol and play music.
A monthly artisan market is already held at Court House Farm, on Church Road South in Portishead, but the owner now wants to host weddings and other events.
The collection of historic buildings in three acres of land is described on the farm's website as a "unique period gem that cries out to host events and 'happenings' of all kinds".
The owners applied to North Somerset Council for a licence, saying they want to put on around 20 events a year.
Court House Farm, on Church Road South in Portishead. (Image: Google)
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But not everyone was happy with the idea and 27 people wrote to the authority asking for the application to be turned down.
One said its proximity to the Parish Church of St Peter made it "wholly inappropriate" for events.
The objector added: "There is is nothing in this application that will ameliorate the increased noise and potential for alcohol-related anti-social behaviour in a place which has hitherto been a quiet residential area."
But 12 people also wrote to the council to support the plans. One said: "We support Court House and all their plans for the future, they have helped to make an already popular village even better."
North Somerset councillors were asked to make the final decision at a licensing committee hearing on Monday, July 23.
A report written for them said: "The main concerns [from residents] are potential for increased crime and disorder, antisocial behaviour, parking noise nuisance, and licensing hours requested being too late."
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Councillors agreed to give the farm a licence, but scaled back the requested opening times by an hour.
The licence allows the owner to stay open, serve alcohol and play recorded music from 10am to 10pm Monday to Friday, from 10am to 10.30pm on Saturday and from 10am to 9pm on Sunday.