Feathers pub in Worcester will get new garden roof terrace despite late-night noise concerns

The plan to build a new enclosed roof terrace at The Feathers pub in The Tything was backed by Worcester City Council’s planning committee.

The approval came despite concerns from nearby residents that it would be disruptive.

Many of the members of the planning committee raised concerns about adding to the noise in the area by allowing the roof terrace to open but when it came to voting was backed by eight votes to two.

Restrictions have been forced on the pub which means the roof terrace and outdoor area will have to closed by 10pm every day.

The pub can currently open until 2am on weekends with live music played until midnight.

Cllr Allah Ditta said he did not want to create further noise for residents in the surrounding area and said he would vote against the plan.

Cllr Majory Bisset said the roof terrace was not high-quality and feared it would look “tatty” in the future.

At the planning meeting in the Guildhall on Thursday (January 27), Cllr Owen Cleary said he had concerns about whether the door to courtyard would be closed at 10pm in the summer months when it would still be light outside.

Nine objections were made by residents in nearby Britannia Square, Albany Terrace and Upper Tything during public consultation with concerns raised about overlooking and noise.

Many were concerned by the pub – and potentially the new roof terrace – being allowed to open until 2am.

West Mercia Police had requested for the roof terrace to close at 10pm which the owners of the pub have agreed to.

The owners of the pub said the new garden would be totally enclosed to prevent people from looking in and out.

Worcestershire Regulatory Services said noise from drinkers sitting on the roof terrace would be heard from neighbouring buildings if windows were open – even with screening in place – but did not raise an objection and said it was down to the planning committee to decide whether it was reason enough to refuse the plan.