PLANS to convert a former Methodist chapel into a wine bar in Ledbury have been rejected by Herefordshire Council.

Mr Etheridge wanted permission to change the use of 145 The Homend to also serve food and include a flat for a bar manager (Mr Etheridge’s full name is not listed in the application, despite the fact that planning is supposed to be a transparent process and the identities of those making applications should be made public).

But 11 residents objected over the impact the increased level of noise, traffic and loss of privacy the scheme would lead to.

Joana Draisey, an objector, told yesterday's (January 18) planning and regulatory committee meeting of her concerns over noise that would come from the bar.

She also called on councillors to take on board the town council’s objection to the scheme.

“We are very concerned regarding the negative noise and environmental impact that this property will have operating for such long hours from 8am until 11pm,” she said.

She said the noise caused by a professional kitchen and extraction fan working for such long hours would be unbearable.

A planning agent speaking on behalf of the applicant said their intention was to run the establishment in an orderly way.

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“We will seek to minimise any possible disruption to nearby residents.

“We appreciate this is a new use and change is always disconcerting initially.

“Please be assured that it’s the applicants intention to operate in a neighbourly and responsible manner.”

Ward councillor Liz Harvey said the plans for the former chapel would lead to a significant change of use to a “very striking building” in Ledbury.

She relayed the concerns of local residents.

“Everyone who has objected to this application lives in its immediate vicinity,” she said.

“It is surrounded on both its sides and to the rear by residential properties.”

Councillor Harvey also said there was limited parking on the Homend.

But she also recognised that it was important to keep historic buildings occupied and maintained in active use.

And in her view, this plan could achieve that.

Councillor Alan Seldon said he had grave concerns over the extractor fans associated with the proposals.

“Is this a suitable use for this building now that it is no longer a chapel?

“It disturbs me somewhat that there is going to be lots of food extraction noises and that kind of activity going on.

“That extractor outlets will be level with the neighbouring bedrooms worry me gravely.

“Extraction units are only as a good as the maintenance they are a given.”

He proposed rejecting the scheme and this was seconded by Councillor Tony Johnson.

Councillor Johnson said he knew exactly the sort of problems extractor fans can produce.

“The noise and smell from kitchen extractors will almost definitely be noticed by those who live close by.

“I’m disturbed to hear from councillor Harvey that they will come out at approximately bedroom level at the back to adjoining domestic properties.”

The vote to reject the proposals was tied at six each with two abstentions.

Chairman John Hardwick used his casting vote to break the deadlock and the scheme was refused permission.

The Methodist chapel was put up for sale in 2018 as the building was no longer deemed fit for purpose.

Until then, there had been a place of worship at the site since 1849.