Pub ordered to draw up noise management plan following complaints
By Belinda Ryan - Local Democracy Reporter 2nd Jul 2026
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.
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