Pub noise annoys neighbours
Palmerston North central city apartment dwellers have joined forces to object to the neighbouring Royal Hotel’s liquor licence application.
Maddison Apartments residents of two years Steve and Jenni Douglas say being woken by loud noise is a frequent problem, especially when live bands are playing, and the behaviour of patrons in the alleyway between the two buildings makes residents fear for their safety.
Their residents’ group chairman Tim Mordaunt said the alleyway, which is a shared right of way, was a huge safety risk and residents were sick of picking up broken glass and putting up with the noisy and drunk customers.
‘‘We are not satisfied that the management of the hotel is fit to hold the liquor licence,’’ he said in a submission to the Palmerston North District Licensing Committee.
Applicant Jordan Haines had formerly run the Cloverlea Tavern on the outskirts of the city, where he often hosted live bands.
He closed the business in 2016 after a series of noise complaints from residents for breaching the 45-decibel noise level allowed in the area.
In the central city, the allowed level was a higher 70 decibels.
Despite 68 noise complaints about the Royal since August 2017, only two had resulted in directions to turn the volume down.
And city council senior planner for compliance Craig Auckram said two reports from acoustic specialists found The Royal was operating within allowed limits.
Auckram said part of the problem was that most of the apartments did not have their own noise insulation.
They had been built before District Plan rules making noise insulation for residential dwellings in the central city became mandatory – they were only suggested.
‘‘You are in the middle of the entertainment zone of the city.
‘‘We have suggested they look at their own insulation, but they have existing use rights. It is not a requirement.’’
Haines said he had installed noise insulation inside and outside the hotel, and had worked through a list of building compliance issues inherited from the previous owners.
He had met residents early after taking over the hotel and thought they were happy with the conversation, and he was surprised by the list of complaints that he said he had not heard about until they were presented to the hearing.
The residents also complained about people drinking in the alleyway, leaving bottles behind, smashing glass, arguing, dealing drugs, and their cigarette smoke wafting up to the apartments.
‘‘We deserve at least three days rest a week – of not having to put up with this noise and carry on in our homes,’’ Jenni Douglas said.
Haines said he saw no evidence that the people complained about in the alleyway had come from The Royal, but in the interests of being a courteous neighbour, he would ask hotel security guards to keep a closer eye on activity there.
Neither police, public health officials nor the licensing inspector opposed granting a licence.