Villagers have objected to plans for an historic country house to host live music and celebrations.

A premises licence is being sought by St Johns Bespoke Events Ltd to enable Barlaston Hall to allow late night refreshment and music at private events.

The Grade I Listed hall dates back to the 18th century and its grounds include a de-consecrated church, St John's, that dates back to the 12th century. St John's at Barlaston Hall is now a wedding venue for couples seeking a non-religious ceremony in a scenic location, as well as hosting other special occasions such as naming ceremonies or renewals of vows.

But a number of nearby residents have objected to the premises licence bid, fearing a influx of visitors will cause noise nuisance and road safety issues. There are also concerns the application is the first step towards the creation of an "events centre that would cause significant and harmful disruption, in what is and always has been an entirely peaceful residential area."

One objector said: "If an events centre with outdoor performances is allowed to operate our lives will be made a misery. Local residents will undoubtedly be blighted by significant noise breakout from music and events.

"Firstly there will be the noise that is generated by party goers arriving and departing from events at midnight and no doubt beyond. Car doors slamming, engines revving, shouting, singing, whooping – that sort of thing – we all know what happens when a bevvied up party ends.

"Secondly and extremely worryingly is the noise nuisance and disturbance that will inevitably occur from live music or the playing of recorded music. There can be no doubt that noise break out would occur and that it would create a nuisance to us, given that the area surrounding the hall is an otherwise quiet residential area, with a very low level of background noise."

Barlaston Hall (Wikipedia Commons).

Another objector said: "My concerns are an influx of cars parking or travelling along the narrow unlit Queen Mary's Drive, particularly at weekends which is already very busy with visitors and locals walking. I believe this is not only a public safety issue but also a nuisance to villagers going about their day to day lives.

"An objection could be raised that of course the church was used by the community in the past for centuries without issue. This is correct, but times have changed and increased vehicular traffic with the Wedgwood Estate creating an already busy thoroughfare and even busier one and making it dangerous.

"Where would all of the additional cars at the hall and church park? My fears are along Queen Mary's Drive and Longton Road, which is already under pressure from Barlaston Cricket Club and the numerous year round events they hold and a new business at the farm called the milk bar, which attracts additional vehicular and pedestrian traffic with additional parking issues."

Stafford Borough Council's licensing sub-committee is set to consider the application at a meeting tomorrow (January 31). Permission is being sought for the venue to open from 10am to 12am, with supply of alcohol stopping at 11.30pm and live and recorded music being played indoors only.

The licence application form stated: "Set in the heart of the Staffordshire countryside, on the stunning Wedgwood Estate, The Barlaston Estate is an incredible location to celebrate special occasions such as a birthday party, anniversary, baby shower, celebration of life or a corporate event, a team away day or non-religious ceremony. There will be live music at some of the private events and facilities for catering and a bar on site which will be available for customers."

The form added that there would be a maximum capacity of 100 people at any event, not including staff, with admission by invitation to private events. CCTV would be in place at both the house and church and door staff would be employed at the premises if needed.

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