Locals unhappy at beer garden bar and shows plan

Residents living next to a village pub have said they could be forced to leave their homes if plans to open a bar in the beer garden are allowed.

Together with councillors and and an environmental health officer, they have objected to proposals for the bar and permission to hold 20 live music events a year at The Star Inn in Kirkhamgate, Wakefield.

Nearby residents said a bar had been constructed in the beer garden last summer which had been "a nightmare".

In its application, pub company Ei Group Ltd, said the live music would be located to "ensure minimal impact to residents".

A joint objection and a petition from residents living on Westfield Place, near to the pub, have been submitted to Wakefield Council.

The document said: "Last summer was a nightmare for us here, and so will summer 2026 if this application is allowed."

Residents said they were "displaced" from their homes due to noise from a previous music event, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

One household said they returned to find "two men from this event in their driveway urinating," who became abusive and threatening when challenged.

They said they complained to the council in October 2025 about "multiple breaches" of licensing conditions.

They added: "It is galling to be dealing with an application for up to 20 music events when we were forced out of our homes during the four held last year.

"There has been total disregard for neighbours, leaving us questioning whether we can remain here.

"Surely we should not be forced to leave homes we've lived in for over 20 years?"

Councillor Charlie Keith, objecting on residents' behalf, said previous events had "caused severe discontent to neighbouring properties."

An environmental health officer also objected, saying the proposal was "likely to cause a statutory nuisance at the nearest neighbours".

The application said the external bar would operate daily from April to September, between noon and 20:00, with live music events lasting no more than four hours.

It added that signage would be installed to remind "patrons to leave quietly".

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