A LICENSE has been given for a new town centre cocktail bar to operate in Bridgend despite objections from some local residents.
The decision came after an application was handed in for the Loft Bar based on Nolton Street Bridgend, in a number of buildings that had previously been left empty.
Those in attendance at a council licensing meeting heard about the premises, which was described as being a new cocktail/wine bar and events venue comprising the ground floor at 14 Nolton Street and first and second floors at 20 Nolton Street.
They also heard representations from two residents who lived opposite the bar who said they had raised complaints over noise from glass bottles being emptied into bins, late night music, and noise outside of the premises.
However, the applicant said he felt this was only the opinion of a minority of residents, with the town centre development aimed at making Bridgend a better place.
Following consideration, a sub-committee later decided that noise levels at the site did on balance amount to a “noise nuisance which is in breach of the licensing objectives of the prevention of public nuisance.”
The license was however granted with amendments that allow the sale of alcohol between 11am – 12pm from Monday to Saturday, with the venue also able to offer both live and recorded music as well as provision for films.
The development of the bar comes just months after a number of other proposals have been submitted for the area, such as the relocation of the Hobos music venue to the former fire station on Derwen Road, as well as plans to redevelop two well-known Bridgend eyesores on Nolton Street, in the former Ranch chip shop and Welcome to Town pub.
