A CONTROVERSIAL pub has been granted an extension to its opening times despite complaints from residents.

North Dorset councillors agreed to a request from the owner of Nelsons Cheese and Ale House in Salisbury Street, Blandford, to vary its public entertainment licence hours - but with conditions.

Licensee John Peniston had wanted to allow music to be played until midnight on Thursdays and 1am on Fridays and Saturdays.

But 18 residents objected on grounds of noise nuisance and reports of anti-social behaviour caused by patrons leaving the pub at closing time. Many said they had no objection to the hours remaining the same.

There were also concerns raised by police, town council and environmental health worried about the effects on adjoining properties to the pub.

At a meeting of North Dorset council's Licensing and Orders Committee, members agreed to vary the licence conditions but struck a compromise on the hours by only allowing an extension as late as midnight on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

North Dorset council legal assistant Jacquie Andrews said: "The variation was allowed for a period of less than three months - up until February 19 when the owner's licence expires.

"There were also conditions attached including final entry to the premises being 11pm, having two door staff, not allowing the pub garden to be used and an immediate reduction in the volume when instructed by an authorised officer like the police."