Mixed reaction for Newport brewery plan

Plan B Brewing Company Ltd, based at Audley Avenue Enterprise Park has made an application to Telford & Wrekin Council for a premises license.

And while town councillors say some residents are "appalled" at the idea, others are said to be in favour.

And Councillor Peter Scott says the plans have the added benefit of having the potential to create jobs and bring visitors into the town.

Comments on the application closed on Tuesday, but the application was made to the council's licensing service for the company to allow the sale of alcohol and play live or recorded music from Monday to Saturday from 9am to 11pm and Sunday 11am to 9pm.

Councillor Peter Scott, council ward member for Newport North and West said: "It is causing some concern for residents close by.

"The Town Team have just written to me fully supporting it but some local residents are appalled at the idea.

"Nearby residents aren't very keen but the Town Team thinks it is a great idea.

"Certainly the potential for a noise has been a concern, which has actually been lessened as I have read the application.

"While it has applied to play live music, it is in limited way. Also there is the concern about people out drinking in the area, getting drunk and staggering around, because there is a school nearby and cemetery across the road."

However, Mr Scott says the changes have the chance to bring benefits into Newport

He said: "To be honest, I think people's fears probably aren't going to be realised. When you live near a centre like Audley Avenue there is always the chance for changes of license.

"People always worry about what could be, but in the same sense it brings employment, as the Town Team say, I don't think affect the local pubs in anyway, also a micro-brewery will be doing its own special beers, which is a plus point, as more people could come to Newport, attracted by those special beers.

"It is very much a suck it and see, there is nothing in the application that can't be controlled with conditions and enforcement."

Mr Scott says the micro-brewery itself is already in place on Audley Avenue, but the new license would allow people to collect beer from the site, and also for the on-site sale of beers and some music performances.

Mike Atherton, the manager of Newport Town Team, said: "We have looked through the application and it is in accordance with the borough council's licensing policy so there is no grounds for objection there.

"The nature of the business means they will use the license for internet sales, which will help to create jobs for the future at the site.

"Generally we are opposed to retail developments on the edge of town but we do not think this will affect us.

"We are very happy to support an application that will be creating employment opportunities."