ANGRY New Milton residents objecting to extensions to a pub's entertainment licence for karaoke and live bands have won a temporary victory.

But the landlord of the Oak and Yaffle at the junction of Ashley Common and Oakwood Roads says that although he is disappointed with the New Forest District Council decision, the brewery intends to appeal.

Licensing chiefs rejected an application from Punch Taverns for permission to serve drinks and provide music until 11pm Monday to Wednesday, until midnight between Thursday and Saturday and up to 10.30pm on Sunday.

They did, however, grant the pub an extension of 10 minutes' drinking-up time until 11.30pm.

Before the hearing residents sent numerous letters to the district council complaining of late night disturbances such as loud music, foul language, and car doors slamming, claiming that extended opening hours would only make their lives more of a misery. But landlord Christopher Carpenter maintains 90 per cent of complaints referred to events before he and daughter Michelle took over the pub last October.

"We were already judged before we got in there," said Mr Carpenter in response to the licensing decision.

"But we will appeal."

Punch Taverns has applied for the same licence for all its premises, he added, and the existing noise abatement order has been complied with.

He claims that the problem is caused by young people congregating late at night in a bus shelter near the pub.

John O'Neill of Oakwood Avenue, one of the leading campaigners against the extension, said residents were pleased with the outcome and were not unduly concerned over the pub's plan to appeal.

"We got the impression from the council's environmental people that the application would have no chance in the future," he said.

First published: August 10