Live music proposals at Featherstone Rovers’ stadium backed by 50 fans, including mayor
The current Mayor of Wakefield, councillor Maureen Tennant-King, has written in support of the plan
Supporters and local residents have backed plans for a new premises licence at Featherstone Rovers’ rugby league ground.
A total of 51 people, including the Mayor of Wakefield, have written in favour of proposals at the Millennium Stadium, on Post Office Road, after Wakefield Council received an objection over noise concerns.
The application, submitted last month by Rovers 2026 Ltd, seeks permission to stage live music, indoors and outdoors, from noon to 11pm daily.
The club also wants to supply alcohol at the premises from 10am to midnight, Monday to Saturday, and from 10am to 11pm on Sundays.
A council licensing sub-committee hearing has been scheduled for March 4 after a resident living near to the sports ground lodged an objection.
The current Mayor of Wakefield, councillor Maureen Tennant-King, who represents Featherstone ward, said: “The club is at the heart of the community and for the past 20 years-plus it’s been run on an almost identical licence.
“On game day music is required to help build up the atmosphere, including when the players are coming onto the pitch, and for the dance academy at half time.
“In recent times there has been a live band in the fan zone prior to game so families can sit and enjoy listening.”
Coun Tennant-King added: “If we lose the licence we may as well shut up shop altogether. People’s jobs and livelihoods are at risk. Let’s hope common sense prevails.”
One supporter of the club said: “The Millennium Stadium is a vital community asset.
“It hosts not only men’s and ladies’ rugby but junior rugby finals, youth club activity and important work delivered by the Featherstone Foundation.
“It also provides a venue for weddings, celebrations and community events.
“Restricting or refusing the licence would have damaging consequences for young people, families and the wider community.”
A local resident living close the the stadium said: “This is an important community facility providing a wide range of social activities for the local community and has been operating responsibly for many years.
“It is a facility I have used on numerous occasions and its loss would be a major blow to myself and many others.
“Given its history of responsible operation, I believe the licence should be granted so the stadium can continue.”
The objector to the scheme previously said: “The Millennium Stadium is in a residential area and the thought that loud music could potentially be played outdoors for 11 or 12 hours, seven days a week, is appalling.
“This would mean that people living in Post Office Road and the roads off it may be unable to enjoy their own gardens in the summer months or even have the windows open.”
The resident said previous events held at the stadium had created a disturbance.
Documents submitted on behalf of the applicant said CCTV was installed on the premises to prevent crime and disorder.
It also said staff were trained in drug awareness and proof of age policies and door supervisors would be employed “when necessary.”
The application added: “There are signs in the venue asking people to leave the venue quietly and respectfully.”