A Macclesfield pub has been ordered to draw up a noise management plan and supervise customers leaving at closing time following complaints about loud music and anti-social behaviour.

Cheshire East's licensing sub-committee was told at a recent hearing that one woman whose house shares a party wall with The Dolphin on Windmill Street, had moved out of her home for two consecutive nights because of the 'mental torture' and 'negative environment' caused by the pub.

The hearing, which had been called to review the pub's premises licence, also heard there were incidents of late-night noise, fighting, vomiting in a neighbour's garden, arguing, and aggression.

The decision, which was published on Thursday, July 2, says the committee did not consider it appropriate or proportionate to suspend or revoke the pub's licence.

But it has modified it by imposing additional conditions to prevent public nuisance.

One condition requires the licence holder to submit, within 28 days, a scheme to control noise transmission through the party wall.

"The scheme shall include the installation of appropriate sound insulation measures designed to prevent noise from the premises causing a nuisance at the adjoining residential property," states the report detailing the new conditions.

A noise management plan and dispersal plan has to be submitted to the licensing authority within 21 days detailing measures to control noise and to ensure the orderly dispersal of customers to minimise disturbance to nearby residents.

"Once approved, the noise management plan and dispersal plan shall be fully implemented and adhered to at all times the premises is open for licensable activities," states the report.

And at closing time each evening, the person in charge must supervise the pub exits 'to ensure the orderly dispersal of customers from the premises'.

Other conditions imposed include controlling the volume of live music, keeping external doors and windows closed during any regulated entertainment and closing the beer garden at the rear of the premises at 11pm every night.

The committee was told, at last month's hearing, that residents living near the pub had felt let down by the council, police, and brewery following numerous complaints about anti-social behaviour and noise.

This had led to 'community tensions' with claims there had been a backlash against neighbours who had complained.

The community had been split with 13 letters being sent to the council at the time backing the call for the licence review and 59 supporting the pub.

Angela Hogg, designated premises supervisor at The Dolphin Inn, said: "The licensing sub-committee has now concluded its review, and I welcome the clarity that this brings for everyone.

"The committee decided that it was neither appropriate nor proportionate to suspend or revoke the premises licence. It also found no evidence of crime and disorder associated with the premises, noted there had been no breach of the premises licence identified by Licensing Enforcement, and that there had been no formal enforcement action by Environmental Health. 

"The committee has crystallised a number of additional conditions, many of which reflect measures that were already in place or were offered by the premises during the review process, and I will continue to work positively to ensure those are fully implemented.

"Throughout this process, I have consistently engaged with the responsible authorities and have made repeated attempts to resolve concerns through constructive dialogue, including supporting offers of mediation facilitated through Licensing, Cheshire Police and our local councillor. I remain willing to have those conversations if they help foster positive relationships within our community.

"The concerns considered by the committee largely related to events during 2025, and I have continued to adapt the way the pub operates in response to feedback and recommendations since that time.

"My focus has always been, and remains, running The Dolphin as a welcoming, well-managed community pub. I hope this decision allows everyone to move forward so we can continue supporting our customers, local groups and the wider community."