New village venue 'differs from AC/DC at Download' says owner

Community Concerns Over Proposed New Venue in Stanton by Dale

Residents of Stanton by Dale, located south of Ilkeston in Derbyshire, are raising concerns about the potential noise and disruption from a planned new venue. The proposed site, which will include a farm shop, bistro, cafe, and wedding venue, has sparked fears among locals that amplified music and bass could be “unbearable.” The issue was brought to light during an Erewash Borough Council hearing on July 15, where the case for a premises licence for the new venue, called Barrel and Slate, was discussed.

More than 30 objections were raised against the plans, leading to the hearing. A decision on the premises licence is expected within the next five working days. Ryan Pound, who has been the designated premises supervisor at the Seven Oaks Inn since 2007, is behind the project. He plans to open the new venue in a repurposed agricultural building, along with a large permanent marquee, on land owned by his family, directly next to his mother’s house.

During the hearing, it was noted that a planning application has not yet been filed, which is essential for the business to proceed. Council planning officials confirmed this before the discussions began. Residents and the Stanton by Dale Parish Council expressed concerns about noise, parking, and road safety, most of which relate to the planning application rather than the licensing application for the premises licence.

George Domleo, the agent for the applicant, explained that a wedding has already been booked for the site through a temporary event notice, even though the venue does not yet have licensing or planning permission. Mr Pound has already invested £30,000 into the project, which includes installing fencing around the site and a neighbouring pond, planting trees, and reinforcing the ground for the marquee.

If approved, the new venue would create 40 jobs and sell local produce. Mr Domleo stated that if there are any noise issues, Mr Pound's mother would be the first to complain. He added that the application is sensible and considered, with appropriate steps taken to mitigate adverse impacts on residents, including preventing excessive noise.

Mr Pound also mentioned that a neighbouring field, owned by his family, could be used for overflow parking during events. He urged attendees to avoid parking on the road, stating that he wouldn’t want to park his car there himself.

Alice Ball, representing a resident of Stanton by Dale, argued that the opposition from villagers is not a “knee-jerk reaction” from “NIMBYs,” but genuine concerns over public safety on the unlit Dale Road, which has a 60mph speed limit and no pavement. She suggested that the area licensed for use by the venue should be restricted to ensure larger functions require a separate or varied application.

Ms Ball also pointed out that the plans submitted to the council only indicated where the cafe would be, not the farm shop or bistro, making them too “open-ended” and “vague.” Cllr Garry McCahill, the parish council chairman, said the effect of live bands performing indoors, outdoors, or in a marquee would be unbearable for residents. He claimed it would cause more than a public nuisance and damage the village of Stanton by Dale.

Parish councillor Phil Hayton described the proposed venue as a “recipe for disaster” on public safety grounds. He mentioned hearing the noise from Download Festival and Donington Racetrack, which are seven miles south, and feared the disruption of outdoor music events in the village.

The proposed venue plans to host 12 weddings a year with between 80 and 120 attendees, suggesting these may be condensed into the summer months. The council noted that the applicant had previously mentioned music festivals and the revival of the village fete, but these are not part of the current plans and would be subject to future applications and public consultation.

Mr Pound clarified that while some may fear the venue being similar to AC/DC performing, it is not going to be anything like that at all. He emphasized the importance of supporting independent family businesses during these times.