A DRINKS licence for a new micro pub in Ulverston has been agreed – despite residents’ objections.

Mark and Cheryl Bates won permission to serve drinks at the former World Peace Café building in Cavendish Street after applying to South Lakeland District Council.

Nearby residents complained the micropub would seriously affect the quality of life on a quiet residential street.

But the applicants pledged to encourage customers to be responsible.

Reacting to the decision, the couple said they were “delighted” and said they would be a good neighbour when they opened the Pepperpot Micropub and Rooms.

The application was heard by the council’s licensing sub-committee in Kendal.

Mr Bates, a long-standing member of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA), said: “We are not a faceless multi-national pub-co business. We care about the business and the resident community. We plan to be very much part of it.”

The hearing was told that the micropub would not sell spirits, strong lagers or alcopops. Nor would it offer loud or live music, sports or gaming machines.

In response to some objections, Mr Bates told councillors: “You would think we were creating a place of debauchery, drunken ravers and unlawful behaviour.”

The applicants pointed out that none of the “authorities,” including the police, had objected to the proposal.

However, residents pointed out the street was home to primary-aged schoolchildren and others, whose quality of life would be seriously affected, particularly by a smoking and drinking area at the rear of the building.

Objector Christina Balmer told the hearing up to 10 to 15 people could cause a lot of noise in the “small” rear yard.

“That noise would be coming into our windows, disturbing people trying to sleep, trying to work or trying to get on with their lives,” she said.

Resident Kevin Silver told the committee: “You could have 14 intoxicated people in the back yard all talking at the same time, affecting residents who had retired early.”

Local councillor Mark Wilson (Lab, Ulverston East) said he sided with residents and believed Cavendish Street was the “wrong street”.

Ramsay Barker, a Cavendish Street resident, pointed out that the micropub’s location was close to Ulverston’s railway station and towncentre.

“There is the potential here to create the first, and more worryingly, the last port of call for drinking in Ulverston town centre,” Mr Barker told the hearing.

After retiring to make a decision, the sub-committee returned with their verdict after around 50 minutes.

Council legal advisor Anthea Lowe said: “The decision of members is to grant the application subject to some modifications. The licensing hours will be amended to 10am to 10pm Sunday to Thursday, 10am to 11pm Friday and Saturday, and 10am to 1am on New Year’s Eve.”

A number of other conditions were imposed. Mr and Mrs Bates are now waiting on the decision of a planning application for the building.