Broadcaster withdraws objection to new pub

Channel 4 broadcasts two news programmes live from the building twice a day

A new pub can open after concerns over revellers disrupting TV news broadcasts were resolved.

The owners of Brewery Wharf Tavern applied for a premises licence to serve drinks at its city centre bar at Brewery Place, which is also occupied by Channel 4 News.

ITN, which runs the news service, was concerned over possible noise from inside the pub and from an outside area with space for 100 people.

But Leeds City Council said the licence would be allowed after the objection was withdrawn ahead of a meeting on Tuesday.

"Agreements were reached between the applicant and objectors. As a result, the licence will now be issued," a council spokesperson said

Channel 4 moved its HQ to Leeds in 2021 and makes two daily news broadcasts from the Brewery Place site, which it has occupied since 2022.

Broadcasts are delivered from the first floor directly above the planned bar.

In its objection, ITN had said it would consider moving to a different location should the issue not be resolved.

The pub applied to serve alcohol until 02:00 on Monday to Saturday and midnight on Sundays.

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, ITN had commissioned a noise assessment which suggested ceiling insulation to dampen noise from inside.

Noise consultancy Nova Acoustics said its assessment "suggests that if external patron noise is appropriately controlled, then the likelihood for impact is low".

The report said the playing of recorded music was expected in the outside area.

It said: "However, this should be limited to a background level to avoid actively encouraging patrons to raise their voices.

"In addition, good management of the external area will be required to avoid patrons shouting, particularly when directly outside the TV studio."

Conditions already agreed with the council included no loudspeakers in use outside after 23:00 and customers being asked to keep quiet.

Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.