'Turning into a restaurant with a nightclub': Objections to plan by Capri diner in Horbury to play music until midnight

Capri, in Horbury Bridge, has applied to extend its licensed hours to midnight.

But two local residents have objected, on the grounds they fear they will have to put up with more disturbances late at night.

Managers of the venue, which is located on Bridge Road, has insisted music will not be heard inside people's homes.

A hearing next Tuesday will determine whether or not the application is approved.

In a written objection to Wakefield Council against the plan, neighbour Jeff Casey said that, "In general terms the restaurant is well managed and an asset to the area, and I have a good relationship with the manager.

However, he added: "I accept that recorded background music is essential to the restaurant but it should be background music, not the high volumes we are subjected to.

"Often the noise from the restaurant and the function room can be very loud and heard not just in my garden, but also inside our living room and bedroom, above the television or radio. A normal conversation is interrupted.

"The Capri is gradually turning into a restaurant with a nightclub.

"The noise can be very disturbing and interferes with our normal family life to such an extent that we have to ask the restaurant staff either directly or by phone to reduce the volume of the recorded or live entertainment and to shut the doors and windows, which are usually left open when the restaurant is full."

The restaurant has asked the council for permission to play recorded music, sell alcohol and serve food until midnight between Mondays and Saturdays.

On Sundays it would stop serving food and drink at 11.30pm.

According to its website, Capri currently closes for business at 10pm. Like other restaurants across the rest of Wakefield, it is only running a takeaway service at the moment because of Covid restrictions.

Its webpage says it "Hosts regular tribute nights" with impersonators ranging from "Sinatra to Robbie Williams, Blues Brothers to Cher".

Another neighbour, Alison Beckwith, told the council: "I've lived approximately 100 yards from Capri for the last 11 years. Currently the noise level on an evening can be loud especially on an evening when there's live music performing, a private party/disco happening or tribute act playing."

Capri has been contacted for a response to the objections, though in its application to the council it said singing, music and speech "shall not be audible inside habitable rooms of noise sensitive properties in the vicinity".

The diner's management also said that all doors and windows would remain closed during opening hours.

Last summer, Capri's sister restaurant Capri@TheVine, on Leeds Road, in Wakefield, apologised after police said it had hosted an outdoor party during the first lockdown in May.

The diner's alcohol licence was suspended for three months as a result.

Local Democracy Reporting Service