‘We have been forced out of our homes’: Residents oppose plan to stage live music at Wakefield pub
There are also proposals for an outdoor bar at The Star Inn, in Kirkhamgate.
Residents living next to a Wakefield village pub have objected to plans to open a bar in the beer garden of the premises.
Local councillors and an environment health officer have also opposed the proposals at The Star Inn, in Kirkhamgate.
Ei Group Ltd has applied to Wakefield Council for permission to operate an external bar daily for a six-month period, from April to September.
The application also seeks permission to hold 20 live music events a year in the garden of the Batley Road pub, which is next to the M1 motorway.
A joint objection and a petition signed by residents living adjacent to the premises on Westfield Place have been submitted to the local authority.
Residents of the cul-de-sac said a bar had already been constructed in the beer garden, in summer last year.
The document stated: “Last summer was a nightmare for us here and so will summer 2026 if this application is allowed.”
The residents said they had been “displaced” from their homes due to noise when a previous music event was held at the venue.
The objection said the occupants of one property to the pub returned home to find “two men from this event in their driveway urinating.”
They said: “When challenged, they became abusive, swearing and threatening violence.
“We are concerned that should we have to make further complaints we will be subjected to further anti-social behaviour, and this may escalate into damage to our properties or worse.”
Residents also said they complained to the council in October 2025 to highlight “multiple breaches” of licensing conditions.
They added: “It is quite galling for us now to be dealing with an application to hold up to 20 music events when we have been forced out of our homes during the four events that were held last year.
“There has been a total disregard for any of the neighbours, which has led us to question if we are able to remain here, regardless of the decision on this application.
“Surely it should not be the case that we are forced to leave our homes of over 20 years.”
Charlie Keith and Brendan Fraser, councillors for Wrenthopre and Outwood West ward, have also objected to the scheme on behalf of residents.
Coun Keith said: “I was made privy to some of the events that have taken place previously, which caused severe discontent to neighbouring properties.
“I am concerned that the proposed event schedule will continue to upset these dwellings.”
An environmental health officer in the council’s community protection team submitted a further objection.
They said: “In my professional opinion, it is highly likely to cause a statutory nuisance at the nearest neighbours.
“This is because of their proximity to the pub beer garden.
“Holding events, especially at the frequency requested in this license application, will greatly affect the character of the neighbourhood, which is traditionally largely quiet.
“It is highly unlikely that outdoor events could be run at this location without resulting in actionable noise nuisance.”
The application states that the external bar would only operate between noon and 8pm, with live music events lasting no more than four hours.
A document submitted to the council by the company said: “When live music does take place, it will be located in the garden at the right-hand side of the fence facing the motorway to ensure minimal impacts to residents.
“There shall be no use of amplified instruments for live music events in the garden area.
“Signage will be placed in locations around the premises, reminding patrons to leave quietly.”
A council licensing sub-committee will consider the application at a hearing on March 3.