The owner of a café and bike hire business has welcomed a decision by councillors to allow the venue permission to sell alcohol and host live music despite concerns from neighbouring residents.
North Yorkshire Council’s statutory licensing sub-committee today approved a new premises licence for Bike Base North York Moors Ltd, on Dikes Lane, near Great Ayton.
The application had divided opinion locally, with the council receiving 25 representations over the proposals and 49 letters of support.
The licence will allow alcohol to be sold for consumption on the premises, as well as live and recorded music and dance performances indoors and outdoors, from 10am until 8pm seven days a week.
Supporters described the business as an asset to the area and argued that granting the licence would strengthen a rural enterprise while providing an additional amenity for walkers, cyclists and residents.
One resident said cycling tourism generated wider benefits for accommodation providers, cafés, restaurants, shops and attractions, while another described Bike Base as well managed and responsibly operated.
A local rural club said it had previously considered holding committee meetings at the venue but members wanted somewhere they could also buy a pint or glass of wine.
The club described the proposed 8pm finish as within “sociable hours” and said Bike Base was “not a party venue”.
However, residents living near the premises raised concerns about potential noise, additional traffic and the impact on the tranquillity of the North York Moors National Park.
One objector, who said they lived about ten metres from the premises, feared disturbance from music, outdoor conversations and vehicles.
Another argued that music could undermine the peace and quiet enjoyed by residents and visitors, while concerns were also raised about people who had been drinking walking along the dark and narrow Dikes Lane.
A further representation highlighted poor sightlines and the lack of a footpath on the road, as well as potential disturbance to wildlife including bats and owls.
Speaking after the meeting, Bike Base owner Mark Pearson said he was delighted the application was approved, describing the decision as a “huge relief”.
He said: “It means we can keep going forward in terms of keeping the business going and growing.
“We can look to do an early evening menu, which we’d tried in the past, but it didn’t really take off because people want to relax after work and have a glass of wine or a beer with their food.
“We just want the flexibility and freedom that if someone comes to us wanting to have a small function, we don’t have to go through the bureaucracy of getting permission every time.”
Mr Pearson said he understood some people had concerns about the change, but he stressed that he wanted the venue to be an asset to the area.
He said he hoped those who did object could use the centre in the future.
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