TWEAKS that reduce the hours that alcohol can be sold, and music can be played at a new venue for young people in Machynlleth, have been approved by Powys councillors.
On Wednesday, March 5, Powys County Council’s Licensing sub-committee met to decide a premises application by William Tremlett the director of Stiwdio Dyfi, for Unit Two, Bank Lane.
There had been objections raised to the scheme which is in a residential part of the town and close to a Cartref Dyfi care home.
Mr Tremlett told the committee that he had met with objectors on Tuesday February 25 to discuss the application and find a middle ground that would allow the venue to thrive without impacting local residents.
Mr Tremlett said: “It’s a volunteer run project, and we have received some funding to cover costs but not all of them.
“We’re hoping that through activity such as a comedy night, film screening or live music that can bring in the additional income we need to break even.”
He explained that the purpose of Stiwdio Dyfi is to help young people gain skills in running events and that the original licence application had been for the “maximum hours” that the venue could be used for events.
During the day Stiwdio Dyfi will be used as an internet cafe and gallery with events earmarked for the evenings.
Mr Tremlett said: “We held a meeting and three residents came along.
“Their concerns is that it would be a full time bar with events creating non-stop noise.
“We co-designed a new proposal, that they would be happy with.”
Mr Tremlett explained that their new proposal known as “version two” would see live music events kept to Friday and Saturday, with an across the board closing time of 9.30pm instead of 10.30pm.
He added that a professional would be brought in to test the sound levels before events take place.
Staff would also monitor noise levels during these events.
Mr Tremlett added that there would not be any “licensed activity” at the venue on a Sunday.
Committee solicitor Rachel Mole advised councillors that they could grant or refuse the application in full, or place conditions upon it to the reduce the licensed hours.
“You have options based on what you’ve heard,” said Ms Mole.
The trio of councillors withdrew to consider their decision.
When they came back committee chairman Cllr Huw Williams (Labour) said: “After much debate we have come to a decision, and we will grant the licence with conditions that we feel are appropriate.”
The committee had agreed to go with Mr Tremlett’s amended version.
Cllr Williams said: “We recognise that the concerns of the community are reflected in this decision.”
The licence will now allow Studio Dyfi to sell alcohol Monday to Saturday from 6pm to 9.30pm, live music to take place on Friday and Saturday from 6pm to 9.30pm, recorded music allowed Monday to Saturday 10am to 9.30pm, and film showings can take place from Monday to Saturday from 10am to 9.30pm.
