RESIDENTS have objected to plans for a new pub in Ulverston.

A change of use application has been submitted to planning bosses at South Lakeland District Council to turn a former cafe in Cavendish Street into a micro-pub.

The ground floor of the former World Peace Cafe would be turned into a pub with a smoking area at the back and bed and breakfast-style accommodation above.

The applicants Mark and Cheryl Bates, of Oldbury in the West Midlands, said: “Redeveloping the site from its former social use by change of use to mixed usage would result in an immediate boost in the local economy with the employment of local tradesmen and suppliers and supplement the availability of rooms to support the tourism industry.”

But 18 residents said noise and disorder would cause disturbances on what is a mainly residential area.

Neighbour Anne Atkinson said: “Cavendish Street is a small mainly residential street with many people living with children and with only a few businesses.

“The bar is not small and could end up a public nuisance.

“There would be a lot more people passing through this residential street in the evening, who would likely be intoxicated and cause a nuisance.

“It would make me feel uncomfortable and unsafe in my front room as people who have been drinking sometimes stare in your window. They also sometimes knock on your door just as they are passing."

“I think my quality of life would be upset if this bar were to open.”

Cavendish residents John and Ann Blackmore-Tucker said: “We already have a licensed restaurant at one end of the street. At the time of festivals it draws large crowds with people drinking on the street, which can be intimidating.

“These events are accompanied by excessively loud music until late at night.

“My home is in a conservation area and so I cannot fit double glazed windows, therefore I have no noise ablation and I do not want to be hermetically sealed in my house.”

Residents also said the smoking area would have an adverse effect on the Benson Street area behind.

Members of Ulverston Town Council voted on the plans at their most recent meeting on September 17.

The council recommended not to approve the plans, with the vote split six councillors.

Cllr Mark Wilson, of Ulverston East, said he sided with the concerned residents.

He said: “I do think this would cause a great deal of disturbance to the residents who live on the street.

“We do not want Ulverston to become a drinking town, which is why I have put myself on the side of the residents and voted against it.”

Cllr James Airey, of Ulverston West, supported the application, saying it would be a boost for the town.

He said: “This pub is something that would be a great thing for the town.

“We need to support our nighttime economy, which is vitally important for the wellbeing of other businesses in the town.

“We would ensure that with the license for the establish, any impact on the residents would be minimal.”