Knock back for Crieff objectors as licence extended

Jul 3 2009 by Alison Anderson, Strathearn Herald

RESIDENTS in the leafy back streets of Crieff failed to persuade Perth and Kinross Licensing Board that HG Hotels Ltd, owners of Knock Castle Hotel and Spa, should not be granted extended opening for the sale of alcohol to the public.

The Licensing Board had received 20 objections to the Drummond Terrace hotel’s late opening application, extending its hours to 12.30am on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, and midnight on Sundays.

The licensing board heard deputations from six objectors or their representatives who raised a number of points including the disturbance to neighbours by late-night drinkers and music, traffic problems and road safety in the predominantly quiet residential streets, and the effect on house prices.

One speaker on behalf of some of the objectors suggested the HG Hotels’ plans to develop its weddings and corporate markets “would be locally disruptive and in many ways destroy the established character of the area”.

Another speaker asked the board to “protect residents’ rights”.

It was pointed out to the objectors by the clerk to the licensing board that, under the hotel licence held by Knock Castle, the authority had no power to restrict the drinking hours for residents or their guests.

The solicitor for HG Hotels Ltd spoke in detailed of the plans to develop Knock Castle as a “boutique hotel with quality restaurant”.

She continued: “The business the owners are trying to establish is a luxury quiet retreat. It’s in their interest to maintain the tranquility of the locality.”

She explained why the extended hours were vital to the business: “The owners are trying to attract more functions for parties of 70-80 but the current regulations regarding the licensing hours are restricting that and giving them real commercial disadvantage.

“They are not trying to turn Knock Castle into a seven-night-a-week functions resort. They hope to have two functions a month of 70 people or so.

“We would hope the clientele we are aiming for would not cause late night disturbance.”

The solicitor gave the assurance that the company had no intention of playing amplified music outdoors, and she explained that recent traffic congestion outside the castle grounds could be attributed to service vehicles during the premises refurbishment. Concluding her address to the Licensing Board, the solicitor said HG Hotels were keen to start dialogue with nearby residents to address their concerns.

After an adjournment in private the Board granted the extended hours to HG Hotels Ltd.