A coastal hotel has been granted a licence to serve alcohol into the early hours of the morning despite locals' fears noisy revellers could cause them to have sleepless nights.

The Maltings in Weybourne is about to reopen in the seaside village after undergoing an extensive refurbishment and has plans to become a destination for weddings and other events.

Chestnut Group, which operates venues across East Anglia, applied to North Norfolk Council to be allowed to serve alcohol until 1am and hold live music events prompting a flurry of objections.

Eastern Daily Press: Weybourne is a small village on the north Norfolk coastWeybourne is a small village on the north Norfolk coast (Image: Mike Page)

Local councillor Dr Victoria Holliday spoke on behalf of villagers and called for it to be refused by members at a meeting this week due to fears about noise pollution from the venue. 

She said: "The hotel is in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and tranquillity is an important part of the landscape's feature - something that is already under threat.

"Neighbours should not be prevented from going to sleep at night."

Eastern Daily Press: Councillor Victoria HollidayCouncillor Victoria Holliday (Image: Newsquest)

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Another local at the meeting worried the measures proposed to prevent noise nuisance "did not cut the mustard" and feared inebriated guests could become difficult to control.

Representatives from the Chestnut Group, which included the future manager of the hotel, attempted to alleviate these concerns, arguing they had never had any complaints at the other venues they run and that music events would happen infrequently.

Eastern Daily Press: Views across the village of Weybourne from Kelling HeathViews across the village of Weybourne from Kelling Heath (Image: Newsquest)

Dominic Bidwell, a founding shareholder of the firm, said the cost of the revamp had been "astronomical" and that it hoped to create a long-term sustainable business, with the extension of the licence helping to achieve this, allowing guests to enjoy a drink later in the evening rather than people coming in off the street.

After hearing both sides of the argument, the licensing committee members decided to approve the bid with conditions that included outdoor live music to be stopped at 10pm and also an agreement that staff would police noise levels while events are taking place.