NEIGHBOURS have urged planners to reject proposals to open a live music venue in Bridport.

Mervyn Ashford, who runs the Beach and Barnicott restaurant and bar in South Street, pictured, has applied to turn an unused building next to Bridport Police Station at St Michael’s Trading Estate into a live music and entertainment venue.

Residents have hit out at the plans over late night noise, and have labelled the proposals “unacceptable”.

Mr Ashford, who has organised live music nights at the Beach and Barnicott, is hoping to attract musicians from the south west and across Europe to perform in the town. But he believes the project will only be a short term venture as owners Haywards are set to submit plans to redevelop the industrial estate.

Mr Ashford said: “It cannot be seen as a long-term thing because of the Haywards development plans for the trading estate.

“We feel there is a real need for something where people can enjoy live music and we will apply for a licensed bar. It will be somewhere that people can enjoy a night out responsibly.

“We hope to have some really interesting acts from the south west and from all over Europe and create a little oasis and a really beautiful and nice environment.”

Some resident have raised concerns about potential noise levels affecting neighbours.

David Goodman, who lives behind the building on St Michael’s Lane, has called on planners to reject the application.

He said: “The units in question are extremely close to residential properties and will affect the quality of life of those living nearby.

“We already have live music from the Hope and Anchor, which is on until 11.30pm some nights and does have an impact on our lives. The pub music times have been limited by the council due to the residential nature of the area.

“To have a live music venue both at the front and back of our property is unacceptable and is affecting our lives and our human rights.”

Mr Ashford has responded to the concerns by insisting noise levels will be kept to a minimum. A soundproof ‘acoustic box’ will be installed as a stage at the venue, while Mr Ashford is currently undertaking a noise assessment by an independent acoustics company.

He added: “We are very mindful of people living not that far away from the trading estate.

“There is no way we want to disrupt people at all. We are pretty sure that the noise levels are going to be so minor that they are not going to affect anybody.

“We are absolutely committed to creating something that is not going to upset people. It is on an industrial estate and we hope to put other noise reducing items inside the building.”

Residents have until tomorrow (18) to comment online at dorsetforyou.com