KENLEY residents were disappointed yesterday after pub the Kenley Hotel was given permission to stay open until late at night.
But the pub said the extra hours are so they can serve more food and have promised to keep the noise down.
The Kenley Hotel, on Godstone Road, originally applied for permission to stay open until 1am seven nights a week. And they wanted to be able to sell alcohol, play recorded music and serve food until 12.30am every night.
There were 11 objections to this application from local residents, including Kenley Councillor Steve Hollands and Kenley and District Residents Association (KENDRA).
But after talking to the licensing police the Kenley Hotel changed their application, asking to stay open until 12am Sunday to Thursday and 1am on Friday and Saturday. The new application also asked to sell alcohol, play recorded music and serve food until 11.30pm Sunday to Thursday and until 12.30am on Friday and Saturday.
This is the extension they were granted at the licensing sub-committee meeting on Tuesday October 8.
KENDRA vice-chairman Chris Stanley said that the group were disappointed the pub had been allowed to stay open later.
He said: "We feel it is inappropriate for the setting of the pub. There are very near resident's properties and we are concerned that it will cause disruption and noise for residents."
As part of the application the pub agreed to keep all windows and doors closed during entertainment, to have a pick up point agreed with a local taxi firm to minimise disturbance, to put up signs asking patrons to leave quietly, and to close the beer garden at 10.30pm.
Councillor Jane Avis, meeting chair, said: "We have resolved to grant the application. We are satisfied that appropriate measures are being taken to prevent public nuisance."
Aimee O'Reilly, designated supervisor at the Kenley Hotel, said at the meeting that pub staff keep an eye on people in the beer garden when they collect glasses, and they always clear up glasses and bottles left on the ground.
The new opening hours will start as soon as they receive the new license.
She said: "We're very happy. We're trying to take it to a more food based pub and now we will be able to fit in a few more sittings."
