Berkhamsted Pub Contests Noise Allegations from Resident

A long-established pub situated alongside the Grand Union Canal, operational since the 1850s, is currently disputing noise complaints lodged by a nearby resident. Mark Granger, who serves as the landlord of Rising Sun in Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire, stated that the initial complaint originated three years prior from a new neighbour who, in his words, “must have known the pub was there”. Mr. Granger, aged 57, additionally characterized Dacorum Borough Council’s efforts to limit his outdoor drinking space as “vindictive”. The council, in an official statement, affirmed its “a statutory obligation to investigate every noise complaint we receive and must take all reasonable steps to do so”. According to information shared on a Crowdfunder initiative launched by the pub, approximately 50 police visits occurred at the establishment between August 2023 and March 2024. The Crowdfunder further noted that no other pubs in the vicinity were reported to have experienced comparable unannounced visits during the same timeframe. Mr. Granger asserted that none of the recordings made by the local authority, utilizing decibel-measuring applications, had registered noise levels deemed actionable. He indicated that the council’s intention was to diminish the outdoor drinking area to “two tiny areas of seating which would have made the business unviable”. “There is no evidence of any wrongdoing on my part, but the council has still tried to put severe restrictions on how I use my outside space. It is putting the cart before the horse,” he commented. Mr. Granger expressed a sentiment that the council was targeting him, perceiving himself as an “easy target” because the pub operates independently and is not affiliated with a brewery, stating, “it is just little old me”. He is “looking to raise £40,000 to future-proof against any more legal action and the money will go to not just protect me but we are hoping to set a precedent to protect other pubs which find themselves in the same situation”. He reported that thus far, “we have had an outpouring of love from the community”. A statement released by the council indicated that it had received three complaints regarding the pub between June 2023 and September 2024. It further stated, “No formal enforcement action has been taken and we have provided advice and guidance to all parties.” The council added, “We currently have no open investigations in relation to this premises. “However, should further complaints be received these will be investigated as required by law.” The BBC has reached out to the neighbour responsible for filing the complaint. Updates on news from Beds, Herts, and Bucks are available on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram, and X. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content of external websites. Information regarding its approach to external linking is available.