RESIDENTS living in an “unpoliced, narrow, confined and poorly lit” alley in Launceston have objected to plans to open a beer and wine cellar near their homes. However, other residents have welcomed the business and think it will boost the local economy.

Cornwall Council has received a premises licence application for Chings Alley Beer and Wine Cellar in Chings Alley off Southgate Street in Launceston.

There was a request to sell alcohol on and off the premises between noon and midnight seven days a week, but that was changed to an 8pm finish following discussions with Devon and Cornwall Police.

Three residents of Chings Alley have written to the council in opposition to the licence, while four other residents and businesses in Launceston have written in support.

Chings Alley is a narrow alleyway off Southgate Street in the centre of Launceston and is a private footpath owned by the White Hart Hotel. There are ten individual residential properties, including three family homes with children.

One letter stated: “Whilst it is considered an ‘accepted reality’ for licensed establishments that sell alcohol for consumption on their premises to occasionally experience violent, aggressive and criminal behaviour from some of their patrons (both inside and outside their premises), it is the opinion of the local residents of Chings Alley that in order to discourage crime and disorder and maintain public safety, a premises licence should not be granted in such an unpoliced, narrow, confined, poorly lit and unmonitored residential location.

“There are real concerns about noise levels that will inevitably reverberate in such a confined location at times when local residents and their children are sleeping. We already have a problem with nighttime revellers using the top of Chings Alley to relieve themselves on there way home from a night in the town. We expect that if a premises licence is granted for Unit 3 Chings Alley, this problem will only worsen as they only have one toilet in the entire premises.”

Responding, applicant Tammy Nutley wrote: “My aim is to bring a much-needed and carefully considered service to Launceston, making use of a currently vacant retail space and contributing positively to the town centre. I also believe that the use of the premises in this way, and the ability for residents to close the alley gates earlier in the evening, may help reduce some of the existing antisocial behaviour referred to in the letter.

“I am fully committed to operating in a way that supports the four licensing objectives and maintaining a safe, respectful, and community-minded environment.”

Others in the area support the application. One business owner wrote: “As a local café and retro music shop owner situated just around the corner from the proposed premises, I believe that granting this licence would be a positive step for our town. It is always encouraging to see previously unused buildings being brought back to life, particularly one with such a rich and unique history. Too often, architectural gems are left hidden away and fall into disuse.”

A licensing committee will meet on October 29.