Leeds bar is refused longer opening hours

An East Leeds bar has been halted in its attempts to extend its opening hours, following concerns from local councillors and residents. Leeds council's licensing sub committee this morning decided to reject The Starlight Bar's application to extend its hours of opening, alcohol sale and live music. The result was welcomed after the meeting by councillor Richard Brett (Lib Dem, Burmantofts & Richmond Hill), who strongly opposed the application because the bar is in a residential area of Harehills. Local residents had submitted eight letters of objection. The bar in Shaftesbury Parade on Harehills Lane, wished to extend its licence to allow alcohol to be sold and music played until 3am on Friday and Saturday nights instead of its current hours of 11.30pm. Brett voiced concern that this was unacceptable with family homes so close by. West Yorkshire Police advised that the application be rejected, raising public order concerns. A report considered by councillors can be read in full here . Brett claimed that the current plans for an extra care housing scheme on the former Shaftesbury Public House site, which is opposite The Starlight Bar, would have been jeopardised if the application had been approved. Brett said: "I am thrilled that the application has been rejected. The noise from this bar can be heard by several hundred houses. This is not a city centre location, but is surrounded by family homes. "Even if music in the club in minimised by sound proofing; the noise of shouting, taxi horns and doors being slammed can be heard from 200 yards away. If the application had been approved then sleepers would be disturbed at unacceptable hours right along Harehills Lane and down Brander Road into Gipton." What do you think? Have your say in the comments section below.