Opposition to new bar plan for Marsden
BUT OWNER WANTS TO PROVIDE JOBS
PEOPLE living in Marsden have objected to plans to open a new coffee bar selling alcohol and offering live jazz music.
The Little Lock would be created from the former Little Shop on Marsden Lane, which sold sandwiches and hot drinks.
The owners want to turn the premises into a coffee shop and bar and have applied for a latenight alcohol licence.
They would offer live jazz and guitar music, primarily during the summer months but also during Marsden Jazz Festival.
In their application the owners wrote: “A close relationship with the public will be pushed to ensure we are a benefit and bring the community closer.”
However, there have been several objections along with a petition signed by dozens of people.
Locals living close by say it is within a quiet residential area and that late-night opening, noise and music would detrimental to residents’ wellbeing.
Concerns have also been raised about the prospect of anti-social behaviour, criminal damage, and disorder in the street associated with late-night drinking.
They have suggested that opening hours be restricted to 9pm. One person suggested 7pm.
Loud music was described as potentially “intrusive” and there were fears Marsden Road was too narrow for extra traffic.
One objector wrote: “Currently if we include the clubs there are at least 12 licensed venues where people can consume alcohol in Marsden. Does a small Pennine village need another?”
Another said the venue was “totally unsuitable” for a bar.
Another feared the Little Lock would “become part of the Ale Trail” adding, “Ale Trailers are known for the loud and rowdy behaviour in the village, indeed Marsden rarely required a police presence at weekends and now they are frequently required.”
However, Arran Crabtree, who hopes to open the Little Lock, said on Facebook: “The previous owner sadly passed away last year and it’s our aim to bring it back, offiering new jobs.
“There will be no one allowed outside to the rear after 8pm as we want our neighbours to be our customers, not complainants.
“We feel, sadly, that the ‘real ale trail,’ whilst a big part of Marsden, has put so much distaste in people’s mouths that they condemn anywhere that sells alcohol, punishing responsible drinkers.
“We welcome questions and hope we will be allowed to operate, and that the Little Shop, with all its history, doesn’t become another rundown, empty building which offers nothing to the community.”
Licensing officers have argued for conditions if the change of use was to be granted. The application will be heard by Kirklees Council’s Licensing Panel in Huddersfield Town Hall this Wednesday.