Greene King Ltd. V Bedford Borough Council (December 2012)
This was an appeal against the Council’s decision to restrict the use of a large beer garden of a public house known as The Ship on the edge of Bedford’s Town Centre following a review application brought by local residents affected by its use primarily in the summer months. The appeal involved expert noise evidence concerning the effectiveness of an acoustic barrier which could be built around the garden and the extent to which the noise from that area could be managed. Legal issues concerning the consequences of non-compliance with the Licensing Regulations were also the subject of detailed skeleton arguments. Following an adjournment of the appeal part heard, the premises built the acoustic fence and the matter was agreed to be remitted to the Sub-Committee for reconsideration. No order for costs was made.