Golf club gets support for alcohol license despite noise concerns from neighbors

Nicholas Thomas – Local democracy reporter

A golf club has received unanimous support for a new sales permit, despite concerns about noise pollution for local residents.

Members of Caerphilly County Council’s licensing committee have approved the licence for Blackwood Golf Club after hearing objections from the club, a resident and a local councillor at a meeting in late June.

The club now has permission to slightly adjust its opening hours for the sale of alcohol on site, but must adhere to strict conditions for drinking outdoors.

During the meeting, a neighbour told the committee that he lives “harmoniously” next to the golf club, but complained that the noise level was like that of an “open-air concert” when the clubhouse doors were open while music was playing.

Traffic

Steven Jones, a representative for the club, said new double glazing installed in the building meant the music was no louder than “local traffic”.

He also said club members had started holding ‘circular walks’ around the border to ensure noise levels were low enough for people living nearby.

The conditions attached to the golf club’s new permit are intended to address “most concerns” about noise pollution, the committee heard at its June meeting.

In approving the golf club’s new permit, the committee members agreed to include the following conditions. For example, the club is not allowed to use the outdoor area after 10 p.m., except for a handful of people who want to use a smoking area.

After 22:00, no alcohol may be consumed outside the clubhouse. The club must post notices to remind visitors to adhere to these rules.

The council will also require the club to continue its ‘walking tours’ and ensure the music played is ‘at a level that does not cause nuisance to the nearest residential area’.