A popular new Isle of Wight restaurant will be able to serve food outside until late into the evening, despite concerns from its neighbours.
The owners of The Garden, on Cowes High Street, can now get ‘more bums on seats’ by extending their service, after a licensing hearing yesterday (Friday).
Noise complaints
Nearby residents had filed noise complaints and said background music had been constantly coming into their houses, even with the windows closed.
Agreed times
The Isle of Wight council’s Environmental Health team suggested diners be allowed to sit in the garden until 9pm, while owner, Jack Anselm, argued a 10pm cut-off time would allow them to serve more customers.
In the end, licensing committee members agreed food could be eaten in the lower garden until 10pm and in the upper garden area until 11pm.
A “sit-down, fine dining establishment”
Speaking at the meeting, Mr Anselm described it as a sit-down, fine dining establishment, not a drinking service.
He said the restaurant needs the seats, especially in the summer, to bring in money to keep the business going over winter, allowing it to retain staff.
IWC: Needed to be a balance
Council officers said there needed to be a balance between the reasonable expectation of commercial noise and its impact on residents.
Mr Anselm said steps had already been taken to lower noise levels, including turning outdoor speakers down and adding signs to remind customers about the neighbours. Extra screening is planned.
Concerns placed on the record
Objectors said The Garden has been quieter recently, but they wanted to put their concerns on the record.
The licensing committee said if there are more problems over the summer, an application could be made for the licence to be reviewed.
Article edit
10.15am 21st May 2023 – Anslem corrected to Anselm
This article is from the BBC’s LDRS (Local Democracy Reporter Service) scheme, which News OnTheWight is taking part in. Some alterations and additions may have been made by OnTheWight. Ed
Image: © The Garden
