A popular Derby pub has been allowed to have outside events on – but they must finish by 10pm each night following concerns over noise. 

Bosses of the newly refurbished Jonty Farmer pub in Allestree asked for permission to show films, live and recorded music and occasional sporting events late at night on an external TV screen. 

Marstons requested Derby City Council to allow for outside entertainment at the Kedleston Road pub between 10am to midnight (Monday to Thursday), 10am to 1am (Friday and Saturday) and 11am until midnight on Sundays.

A meeting was held and Derby city councillors allowed permission after a behind-closed-doors agreement was made not to have outside events on after 10pm.

Michelle Hazelwood of John Gaunt and Partners,  representing Marstons, said the pub’s plan was to show recorded clips outside in relation to sports events and for children activities as well having live performers at certain times of the year.

It could also show the occasional live sporting event such as Derby County games. But there was an emphasis on people to eat inside.

She said: “There is no intention to have bands outside every weekend or DJs. That will be very much on focused times – probably around Bank Holiday weekends and around the summer holidays.”

A licensing hearing was held after noise concerns were raised by Derby City Council’s environmental health department and by nearby residents over its application. 

The authority feared any outside events late at night could lead to a noise nuisance for nearby residents.

But at the licensing meeting on April 7, an environmental health officer said conditions had been agreed which would help “mitigate any complaints in terms of a nuisance”. 

This then prompted the council to withdraw its objection.

The officer said: “We had concerns regarding the use predominantly of the external area up until midnight. 

“Following our discussions with the agent, we have now agreed conditions and they have proposed that they close that area for regular entertainment including the use of TV screens after 10pm.” 

It was also agreed external doors and windows would close after 9pm during certain events and a new noise management plan was implemented by those running the pub. 

Marstons bosses said the permission granted does not give the pub the right to show live football World Cup games this summer – which will be on late at night (UK time) due to it being hosted in the USA, Canada and Mexico. 

However, it was heard the pub could seek to obtain a temporary event license if appropriate when the major global event takes place in June and July.

Ms Hazelwood said the focus of the pub is centred around sport. She added its restaurant and food area have seen “increased food sales of £33,000” since the refurbishment was completed.

By Nigel Slater (Local Democracy Reporter)