Court to decide outcome of 3am licence war at Beauchamp Arms

Callum Richardson appeared at Norwich Magistrates' Court this week to appeal against South Norfolk Council's decision to refuse him a temporary event licence at the Beauchamp Arms, on the River Yare.

The pub has been at the centre of long-running controversy, following disputes with the local authority on a number of planning issues.

Neighbours have previously complained about noise from the site during other music events held there - including one who was 2.5 miles from the pub.

Mr Richardson initially had his application to host a drum and bass night on February 10 at the pub, near Langley, refused at a council hearing on October 31.

Callum Richardson (right) and his business partner Henry Evans (left) outside of Norwich Magistrates Court (Image: Bruno Brown)The 28-year-old appealed that decision because he was unable to attend the hearing, as he had tested positive for Covid, so could not put his case in person.

The committee decided, in his absence, to refuse permission for the late night licence - called a temporary event notice - noting previous noise complaints.

Mr Richardson is seeking permission to play music until 3am, a two hour extension on the pub's existing premises licence.

READ MORE: 'Lively up Yareself!' - Reggae at Broads pub sparks new row with council

The still water of the River Yare in the evening at the Beauchamp Arms (Image: Denise Bradley)At this week's appeal hearing, magistrates heard that Mr Richardson had previously held a music event at the pub on September 16, which did not attract any complaints.

But the council's solicitor told the court that even Natural England had raised concerns about the impact of noise on the surrounding countryside.

Magistrates will decide whether to allow the appeal and award a licence to Mr Richardson at another hearing on February 1.

Raymond Hollocks, pictured outside of The Beauchamp Arms, a pub which he has owned since 1997 (Image: Bruno Brown)
 

BARNEYS AT THE BEAUCHAMP

The court hearing is the latest in a long-running saga centred on the Beauchamp Arms.

The pub is owned by Raymond Hollocks who has been involved in a number of disputes with the local council, as well as the Broads Authority (BA), over the site and his other Broads properties, at Berney Arms and Loddon Marina.

READ MORE: Meet Raymond Hollocks - the man with a planning feud lasting for quarter of a century

He and his son William Hollocks are being prosecuted by the BA in a dispute involving caravans on the site of the Beauchamps Arms.

Raymond Hollocks at the bar of his Beauchamp Arms pub (Image: Bruno Brown)Both have denied a charge of failing to comply with enforcement notices. The notices relate to the storing of two static caravans on the land and the use of them for residential purposes.

The case is set to return to court in the future.

READ MORE: Neighbours at the Berney Arms at war over 'rampaging' horses, 'aggressive' geese... and a pet FOX

Mr Hollocks also has had previous issues with events held at the Beauchamp Arms, in particular a party in July which attracted some 400 revellers and 32 DJs.

An official from South Norfolk Council also attended, to monitor the event.

Speaking after the recent hearing, Mr Richardson said it would be "unfair to be tarred with the same brush" with issues which have arisen from past events at the pub.

The Beauchamp Arms backs on to the River Yare - Cantley Sugar Factory on the horizon (Image: Bruno Brown)