The Licensing Act Sub-Committee of Shropshire Council is scheduled to meet on Monday, 11 May 2026, to consider an application for a variation to a premises licence. The primary focus of the meeting will be a detailed review of an application submitted by Bobby's, a restaurant located at 21, 25/26 The Parade, St Mary's Place, Shrewsbury, SY1 1DL.

Application to Vary Premises Licence for Bobby's

The main item on the agenda is the consideration of an application for a full variation to the premises licence for Bobby's. The application, submitted by licence holder Mr Aaron Brown, seeks to extend the permitted operational hours of the restaurant's external terrace. Currently, the terrace must be cleared of patrons by 5:00 pm and all external lighting turned off by the same time, with windows and doors kept closed from 6:00 pm.

The proposed variation would allow the external terrace to operate until 8:30 pm, with associated changes to the times for closing windows and doors and switching off external lighting, between 31 March and 30 September each year. For the remainder of the year, from 1 October to 30 March, the existing conditions would remain in place.

The application has generated significant interest, with relevant representations received from both Responsible Authorities and Other Persons.

Representations from Responsible Authorities:

• Environmental Protection: Louise Money, an Environmental Protection Officer, has formally objected to the application. She believes that the proposed extended hours would likely undermine the licensing objective of the prevention of public nuisance, citing the proximity of residential properties with external balconies that overlook the terrace. She notes that the area experiences relatively low background noise levels in the evening, and noise from the terrace would be readily audible and intrusive.
• Planning: The Planning department has also indicated that the proposal would not be supported, referencing a previous refusal for a similar extension on amenity impact grounds.
• Trading Standards: Trading Standards has raised no objections, stating that conditions will remain the same regarding the protection of children from harm.

Representations from Other Persons:

A total of 19 representations have been received from other persons, predominantly expressing concerns related to noise generated by the extended use of the terrace and its direct impact on residential properties. These concerns include:

• Noise and Disturbance: Residents living in apartments directly above and adjacent to the terrace have raised objections, highlighting that conversations and general activity on the terrace are already audible within their homes. They fear that extending the hours, particularly during warmer months when windows are open, will significantly increase noise levels and disrupt their quiet enjoyment of their homes. Several residents have referenced previous objections and decisions that have limited the terrace's operating hours.
• Public Nuisance: Concerns have been raised about the potential for increased noise, bad language, discarded bottles and cans, and loitering in the vicinity, particularly in secluded areas like St Mary's Water Lane. The proximity of the terrace to residential properties and its location overlooking the river towpath, an area valued for its tranquility, are key points of contention.
• Public Safety: Some representations highlight concerns about public safety due to the location of the access ramp to the premises, which is on a blind corner with restricted sightlines for vehicles. There are also concerns that increased activity could hinder emergency access and evacuation procedures.
• Previous Non-Compliance: Some objectors have cited instances of alleged non-compliance with existing licence conditions, suggesting a pattern of disregard that would be exacerbated by granting further permissions.
• Noise Impact Assessment: Roger Stanley, a resident living directly above the terrace, has submitted a detailed critique of the applicant's Noise Impact Assessment (NIA). He argues that the NIA is outdated, based on unrepresentative survey conditions (midweek lunchtime rather than evenings), underestimates the terrace's capacity, and fails to adequately consider the impact on internal residential conditions. Critically, he points out that the NIA's own findings indicate a +8 dB difference under nighttime conditions, which is classified as Adverse Impact Likely under BS4142:2014.

The report pack also includes a Noise Impact Assessment conducted by James Flitton, Acoustic Consultant, which predicts specific noise levels at the nearest noise-sensitive receptors. The report concludes that the specific noise level of the cafe/restaurant is below BS4142:2014 and IOA guidelines for daytime use, but the night-time assessment indicates a +8dB difference between the rating level and background level, leading to a conclusion of Adverse impact likely. The report recommends the erection of a privacy screen to mitigate potential noise complaints, even if not numerically warranted.

The Sub-Committee will need to consider these representations and the expert advice provided in the reports when determining the application. Options available to the Sub-Committee include refusing the application, granting it with conditions, or granting it with restricted licensable activities or times.

Election of Chairman

The meeting will commence with the election of a Chairman for the duration of the meeting.

Disclosable Pecuniary Interests

Members will be reminded to declare any disclosable pecuniary interests and other registrable or non-registrable interests in any matter being considered at the meeting.

The Licensing Act Sub-Committee is composed of Councillor Brian Evans, Councillor Colin Taylor, and Councillor Jon Tandy. The Committee Officer for the meeting is Tim Ward.