A LANDMARK Bolton pub has been granted permission to install an outdoor bar after a hearing which heard objections about noise and public disorder from some of its neighbours.

The Crofters, on Bradshaw Road, now has a variation to its licence to allow it to have a bar outside and have live music performances until 8pm.

The Crofters, which has been run by landlord Yogi Mistry for the past 10 years, last year erected marquees outside which can accommodate around 200 pre-booked drinkers and diners.

That arrangement has continued with the recent re-opening of hospitality.

However, some neighbours said that the outside nature of the pub last summer led to increases of disorder, including public urination, fighting and issues with taxis.

One of the complainants even alleged that he witnessed a couple visiting the pub ‘on one occasion having sexual intercourse’.

A Bolton Council licensing hearing heard from a legal representative for the Crofters, Piers Warne.

He said: “The application is relatively simple. It’s to add an external bar.

“The music outside was a learning process after teething problems last July.

“We do not accept that the music was a public nuisance and Yogi has spent a lot of time gathering feedback from residents.”

He said that any music would cease by 8pm and there would be a noise limiter fitted to the sound output at a level agreed with the council.

He added: “Mr Mistry has received 111 letters of support for the application

“There are additional toilets outside which are spacious, clean and easily accessible.

“One resident told us the noise from the marquee is no more intrusive than noise from the road or the nearby cricket club.”

Mr Mistry told the panel: “I am happy to work with anyone and am always willing to listen.”

Ward councillor Stuart Haslam told the panel The Crofters ‘is a generally well run pub, never any trouble, warm and welcoming and a focal point for the community’.

He said that he had some concerns about noise but ‘ultimately a sensible compromise should be found for the business to continue and I am prepared to accept the application’.

The council’s environmental health team expressed concerns about the application for potential noise disturbance.

The hearing heard from two objectors.

One, said: “I have never said I want the pub closing.

“Last summer there were issues with lawlessness, urinating in the area. We don’t phone the police every time.

“The marquees are ridiculous in size and increased the capacity of the pub.

“This is bringing people in from all over the Bolton area and beyond.”

The second, said: “It’s about noise levels. It’s about us being able to enjoy our garden without loud music all afternoon.”

One of the objectors provided video evidence to the panel to support his claims of noise and disorder linked to the outdoor area.

The panel approved the variation of licence subject to their being no entertainment in the external area after 8pm, a noise limiter being installed and the external bar to be used only between 10am and 10pm.