Councillors allow brewery to hold tours but implement 6pm cutoff point to protect neighbours

Silverstone Brewery Ltd, which is based on Kingshill Farm near Syresham, had applied for a new licence to allow the sale of alcohol, both on and off the premises, from 9am until 6pm between Monday and Wednesday; from 9am until 10pm between Thursday and Saturday; and from 10am until 10pm on Sundays.

The application was considered by members of South Northamptonshire Council’s licensing sub-committee on July 23, but mindful of concerns from neighbours the committee shortened the proposed hours. Instead, they allowed the brewery to supply alcohol on and off the premises no later than 6pm on any day.

The applicant explained he was seeking to sell beer in bottles and cans to take away and hold brewery tours with the opportunity to sample beers on site. He also told councillors how he hoped to hold occasional Open Days that would be ‘family friendly, and that the coronavirus pandemic had impacted on his trade business and direct to consumer sales were essential to safeguard the future of the business and jobs.

Councillors were informed that brewery tours would be confined inside the brewery and on the Open Days people would be in the courtyard area.

But the brewery is neighbour to a number of small cottages and other businesses on the farm, some of whom raised concerns. One neighbour told the committee she feared an increase in the volume of traffic along the single track driveway and that vehicles could block the stables, and that brewery visitors may wander into the horses’ space. She also raised concerns over ‘noise and commotion’ after 10pm on what was a quiet farm. Other concerns raised from the objections included the safeguarding of children and animals who lived on the farm.

Taking this into consideration, the sub-committee implemented the 6pm cutoff point. In the letter it sent to all parties outlining its decision, the committee stated: “The conditions proposed and reduction in hours for the supply of alcohol were both necessary and proportionate measures to ensure the promotion of the licensing objectives and in particular the prevention of public nuisance in the location.”