Planning '˜liberty'

Noise from recently installed fresh air and fume extraction ducts caused disturbance to a resident, who lives in the flat directly above the restaurant at the former Devonshire pub, Devonshire Square. In a letter of complaint to Rother District council the resident claimed the noise from the extractors was like “living over the top of a lorry with its engine permanently running”. They also expressed concern that they had not been consulted about the fans, which exit at the front of the building, directly under their bedroom window.

An environmental health officer visited the premises and reported that the noise from the recently installed extractor system was a “definite problem” adding that “remedial works are required”.

The officer was advised by a representative of the restaurant that the matter was “in hand” and that a silencer was “going to be fitted soon”.

The environmental health officer commented: “This has all gone on without permission.”

The restaurant was due to open on December 16 and Cllr Patrick Douart said it was: “A bit of a liberty to let them operate before the noise problem is resolved completely.”

Joinery and mouldings are to be reinstated on the exterior of the building. A decision on the application was deferred for further information from environmental health.