A Herefordshire Conservative Club has been given permission to host functions till half past midnight, despite the objections of a neighbour.

Barry Williams told Herefordshire Council’s licensing committee that the currently members-only events at the neighbouring Ross Conservative Club, in a residential area to the south of the town, are “put-uppable – but extending the hours would be an unnecessary burden on people in the area”.

He claimed that during daytime events, “I can’t sit out on my patio”, while after closing time at night there was “collateral damage” from people leaving the club late at night at weekends as “chatting, disagreeing and fighting goes on for at least an hour afterwards”.

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“I am the most affected, but there are at least 50 other houses within 100 metres,” he added.

For the club, Laura Dobbs said: “We are not looking to change the opening hours, just to open it up for hire for private functions.

“It was always [permitted to open] till half past midnight at weekends – though we normally shut at 11 or just after, and even on a Saturday we finish at 12.”

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Colleague at the club Dawn Griffiths said they had had no noise complaints, and added: “There will always be someone there you can contact.”

Council senior licensing officer Emma Bowell confirmed that a licence could not restrict daytime events at the club.

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Subcommittee chair Coun Polly Andrews said the club had already agreed to conditions to prevent noise and disturbance put forward by the council’s trading standards and environmental protection officers and by police.

“The subcommittee fully recognises Mr Williams’ concerns over the impact on the area, but can only consider those with reference to the licensing objectives,” she said.

The application for a premises licence was granted.