NEIGHBOUR objections have forced a public hearing into plans for a drinks and music licence at a Dorchester business.

Several people have said they are worried about the potential disturbance if a Premises Licence is granted for two Brewery Square shops which want to work together to put on occasional music events.

Dorset councillors will decide if the pre-loved clothing and jewellery shop, C Side, in Pope Street will be allowed to go ahead with the plans, working with the next door Vinyl Van.

Applicant Helen Moody has told the council: “The premises will be home to a new business, C Side which I am setting up as a sole trader in my name. It will be adjacent to Vinyl Van Record Shop with some shared areas and will be an evolving community space where people can come together with music as a common theme.”

Ms Moody has asked for a premises licence for live and recorded music and the sale of alcohol, on and off the premises.

“Some hot and cold drinks will be served and a selection of wellbeing, craft, music-themed and other workshops and events will be held to benefit all ages and sections of the community. The space will also provide work experience opportunities for young people and those in need of work skills and confidence to help them re-engage in society.

“C-Side will also co-host a selection of music-themed events, dancing workshops, live music on occasion, and offer itself as a space to community groups and organisations,” she said.

But some neighbours say they fear disturbance from up to 60 people which could be on the premises and have questioned whether one toilet, which is wheelchair accessible, is enough.

The licence application asked for live and recorded music from mid-day to 11pm Monday to Saturday and to 10pm on Sundays with identical hours for the sale of alcohol.

Seven people initially objected to the application with three later withdrawing their comments after receiving further information – leaving two who wanted their objection to remain and two who did not respond to the council’s licensing team.

One resident said there was a belief that the area would be a quiet one when they moved in but have since suffered from noise in the square, events at the Copper Street Brewery and from cigarette smoke from people standing outside.

Said another: “In the past the Vinyl Van shop has held a number of open day events for the public where music has been broadcast at an unacceptable level, the ceiling sound proofing barrier between the commercial retail units and the apartments above and adjacent has proved totally inadequate, even if the music is played at low volume. Self-limiting noise level control on the DJ sound system should be imposed.”

The licensing committee, which is open to the public, will be held on Wednesday November 8th at County Hall, Dorchester.