Plans to transform a former bank in the Adelphi Quarter into a bierhaus have been refused due to concerns about noise.

The owners of Bamber Bridge micro pub Beer Box had raised £12,799 through a Crowdfunder in the hope that they could bring the best UK, German and international beers to central Preston.

Advertisements

Read more: Bier Box Preston plan to crowdfund new beer bar at Adelphi roundabout

They applied to Preston City Council to change the use of 2-4 Adelphi Street from a Bank (class A2) to a drinking establishment (class A4) in June.

However a post on the Bier Box Facebook page on 2 January shared the news that the application had been rejected.

It said: “We have a vision of opening a unique venue in a beautiful unused building in the Adelphi Quarter. We agreed heads of terms with the owner and commenced our planning application back in early June this year.

“Preston Council have now rejected our request to change the use of the building to a drinking establishment on the advice of Environmental Health. After a period of reflection we have decided not to appeal the decision or pursue this particular venue any further, as we do not believe we would be allowed to realise our vision at this location. We are still keen on creating Bier Box in Preston, but only if we are able to create the venue that matches our vision.

“We are gutted that we can’t bring Bier Box to you at this time, but if it’s not right, it’s not right.”

An earlier post in November described the planning process as “long, challenging and at times very opaque”.

At that point, objections had been received from two neighbouring buildings and Environmental Health had requested noise assessments, but the owners remained hopeful that the project would get the green light, saying: “Preston City Council have indicated on several occasions that they wish to support local business and do not wish to see empty unused buildings”.

Read more: Coffee takeaway at listed Preston vicarage remains open despite no planning permission

Now that the original project will not be going ahead, anyone who supported the Crowdfunder campaign can request a refund or discuss options for a reward.

The decision shared on the Preston City Council website states: “Insufficient information has been provided regarding the generation of noise from the proposed drinking establishment to accurately determine the impact the proposal would have on the amenity of the occupiers of the adjoining properties, by way of noise and disturbance. The proposal is therefore contrary to Central Lancashire Core Strategy Policy 17, Preston Local Plan Policies AD1(a) and EN9 and the National Planning Policy Framework.”

Read more: See the latest Preston news and headlines

What do you think of the Bier Box plans being refused? Let us know in the comments.