Landlord opposes plan for new Worcester brewery over parking and noise concerns

A plan by Mark Kiely would see a boathouse in Diglis Basin, which has been empty for a number of years, converted into a brewery producing four beers at a time and a taproom only selling the beers produced.

Nic Gibbons, landlord of the Anchor Inn in Diglis Road has formally objected to the plan saying the lack of car parking and the noise and odour from the brewery would have a negative effect on his pub and the rest of the marina.

He said the brewery only has plans for five car parking spaces in a very busy and congested area that is used by residents, workers and visitors in the city centre and marina.

Mr Gibbons said: “We and our employees struggle to get parking spaces at present day and night, as do a lot of our customers. This affects our trade currently and does put some customers off especially older customers off as they cannot work longer than a short distance from their car.

“I can only foresee that the new application will only make matters worse.

"There is no outdoor space for customer to use in the new proposed brewery tap bar, no space for smoker or drinking outside.”

Mr Gibbons said the lack of outdoor space would mean drinkers would be congregating on footpaths and outside residents in houseboats.

He said the noise and smell from the brewery may stop people from enjoying the views from the pub’s garden.

There are no plans to sell food or to compete against neighbouring business selling food, according to the application.

Mr Kiely said the new brewery would employ four full-time and six part-time staff.

The proposed opening hours would be 4pm to 11pm between Monday and Friday and 12pm to 11pm on Saturday and Sunday.

Councillors agreed in May to increase the number of permanent residential moorings in Diglis Basin from 20 to 42.

The plans can be viewed via the planning section of Worcester City Council’s website.

Consultation ends on October 15.

The application number is 19/00580/FUL.