Kingswood pub allowed to play recorded music and films outside despite neighbours' objections
Marstons withdrew plans for an outside bar and open-air live music at The Old Plough
Last updated 20th Oct 2026
A community pub in Kingswood has been granted permission to play recorded music and films outside, despite objections from neighbours.
The Old Plough, in Westons Way, is putting the finishing touches to a major revamp and will reopen on Wednesday 21st October.
The £280,000 transformation will turn it into one of Marstons' Grandstand venues.
Marstons says Grandstand venues aim to give customers an electric matchday atmosphere, with multiple huge TV screens and tiered seating.
Plans withdrawn
Marstons, which runs the pub, withdrew plans for an exterior bar and open-air live music after opposition from people living nearby.
The company accepted that applying for an outside bar had been a step too far.
South Gloucestershire Council's licensing sub-committee approved the amended application.
The changes also include more CCTV, and children will be allowed to stay in the pub after 10pm if they are with an adult at a pre-booked function, such as a birthday party.
There were no objections from any of the authorities, including environmental health.
Conditions were agreed with the police beforehand.
Neighbours' concerns
Nine people living nearby objected to the application.
One of them told the meeting: "Residents wish to be clear that they do not object to the refurbishment, the investment being made in the premises, improved facilities, or the continued success of The Old Plough as a local business."
They said: "My objection is limited to the request for a permanent licence permitting outdoor events and entertainment that generate external noise with recorded music and film."
They added: "I do not see a compelling justification for this element of the application."
They also said: "There will be a significant impact on residents."
Marstons' response
Solicitor Michelle Hazelwood, representing Marstons, told the panel the pub would not be changed significantly or become just a sports bar.
She said it would vastly improve its food menu with a big investment in the kitchen, and would show films and cartoons for children.
Ms Hazelwood said: "Residents can have confidence that these premises are not going to change their world, they're not going to cause public nuisance or crime and disorder."
She said no complaints had been registered against the pub since Marstons began running it 20 years ago.
Ms Hazelwood said any external music would only be recorded and would end by 10pm.
She said: "Yes, live music is very hard to control, and that small space with the size of the beer garden, it was inappropriate, that has been withdrawn, the same with the external bar."
Marstons area manager George Hoare said: "Although we talk about this being a Grandstand concept, the pub will be very much The Old Plough – it's The Old Plough working within the Grandstand format."
Decision
Sub-committee chairman Cllr Chris Davies said the changes to the original plans were sufficient to mitigate neighbours' concerns.