Compromise on Evenwood brewery licence follows concerns

FEARS of noise from brewery have been eased after councillors voted to grant its owner a licence.
Danny McColl, of McColl’s Brewery, in Evenwood, won approval for his application to play music and sell alcohol from his unit on the Randolph Industrial Estate last Wednesday (April 19).

Residents on nearby Manor Court had reservations about the bid for music and opening hours from noon to 9pm every day of the week.
No fewer than 11 objections were sent into county officials ahead of the licensing committee meeting.
But all parties left on good terms after the meeting.
County councillor Heather Smith told the licensing panel she was concerned about the brewery’s proximity to homes on Manor Court and its potential to stoke anti-social behaviour in Evenwood.
She said: “This is an industrial unit in an industrial estate and we feel this application would change it into a pub or club.
“The main concern is this is extremely close to residents in Manor Court – these homes are only small bungalows for mainly older people and the back of the brewery is only ten metres from people’s bedroom windows.”
She added: “We are in favour of a new brewery – especially if it brings new jobs but we have concerns about alcohol, an exacerbation of anti-social behaviour and disruptive parking.”
Manor Court residents Doug Green and Julia Welsh were both worried about youths getting hold of booze.
Ms Welsh said: “Youths congregate around there and it’s the noise – we’ve already got the pub there.
“I just want reassurance it won’t be a disco.”
Mr Green added: “A craft brewery is fine – I like a beer myself but not a place of entertainment. It’s far too close for properties for that.
“I’ve just been made aware that unit number five was rented by someone who stored wine several years ago – it was broken into several times and after several attempted break-ins he moved away. I think Mr McColl’s brewery will attract the same attention.”
The original licensing application had included an indoor and outdoor music and entertainment, but Mr McColl later removed outdoor performances from his scheme.
Mr McColl, from Middleton-in-Teesdale, said he had been “naive” filling in the licensing forms and was happy to “give ground” on the application conditions.
He added: “The main issue is the noise towards the back end of the day – if that’s the only issue I’d be happy to concede ground and remove the hours of live music.
“In my naivety I ticked every box on the application form – I have no vision of being in late at night, mopping up after hours or having live music.”
Mr McColl said training policies and CCTV would help deal with any youths wanting to illegally purchase alcohol and reassured residents he was not focussing on “volume sales”.
He added that any ales would most likely be sold through pre-booked tours to showcase the brewery’s wares.
“We don’t want to encourage a congregation point where people sit for hours on end,” he added.
“It’s not the ethos of the brewery to ply people with large volumes of alcohol – we want to attract people passionate about the enjoyment of beer.”
The panel found no grounds to reject the application. Both villagers and Mr McColl have agreed to further talks and Manor Court residents have been invited on a tour of the brewery.
Ms Welsh added: “I personally feel a bit more reassured having spoken to Mr McColl – like I said it could have been sorted if he came around and knocked on doors beforehand. We will sleep tonight.”