The Western Area Licensing Sub-Committee met on Tuesday 8 September 2026 to consider a review of the premises licence for The Wellbeing Hub, located at 36 High Street, Warminster. The Sub-Committee decided to modify the licence conditions by requiring the licence holders to submit a Noise Management Plan to the Environmental Protection Team by 8 December 2026, which will also include the management of patrons entering and leaving the premises.

Review of The Wellbeing Hub Premises Licence

The primary focus of the meeting was an application to review the premises licence for The Wellbeing Hub, Warminster, following concerns raised by a neighbouring resident, Mr Gary Rattray, regarding public nuisance. Mr Rattray's concerns centred on noise from amplified music, particularly low-frequency bass, escaping the premises, as well as noise associated with patrons using external areas.

Arguments for the Review:

Mr Rattray detailed his concerns, stating that the building's single-glazed windows and doors allowed sound to escape, which was amplified by the tiled external area. He reported that bass frequencies from amplified music reverberated into his property and those of neighbours. He emphasised that his aim was not to have the licence revoked but to seek measures to mitigate the noise impact.

Several residents submitted representations in support of the review. One resident, living less than five metres from the venue, described being regularly disturbed by amplified music and bass, with noise penetrating their home. They also raised concerns about patrons gathering outside, reporting incidents of smoking, drinking, and abusive behaviour. Another resident echoed these concerns, noting that the premises, previously a carpet shop, lacked sufficient sound attenuation and that the porch area may contribute to noise projection. They highlighted that the noise disturbance had significantly impacted their quality of life since the Hub began operating.

Arguments Against the Review and for the Premises:

The directors of The Wellbeing Hub Warminster CIC, Charity Chenga and Lydia Moore, explained that the Hub is primarily a community facility offering a range of activities beyond live music. They stated that live music events were infrequent and used to promote social cohesion. They acknowledged residents' concerns and outlined steps taken to reduce noise impact, including positioning activities towards the rear of the building, using rubber supports under speakers, and reminding patrons to be considerate. They also mentioned installing curtains and seeking funding for further soundproofing.

Several individuals who attended or supported the Hub submitted representations. They stated that music was not played at excessively high volumes, that doors were kept closed during events, and that patrons were reminded to be mindful of noise when leaving. Some noted that the Hub was quieter than other nearby venues and that they had not experienced unreasonable noise. One representation highlighted that the complainant had engaged in confrontational behaviour towards customers and even a vulnerable elderly individual, suggesting selective targeting and raising safeguarding concerns. Another representation questioned the credibility of the noise complaints, citing the distance to the Hub compared to other, closer entertainment venues on the High Street, and suggesting cultural stereotyping in the description of African music.

Environmental Protection and Other Authorities:

The Principal Environmental Health Officer, Mrs Vicky Brown, stated that while complaints had been received, insufficient evidence had been provided to assess the extent of the alleged disturbance or determine if it constituted a statutory nuisance. Environmental Protection had not made a representation in favour of the review. Immigration Enforcement and Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service also confirmed they had no representations to make. Wiltshire Council Planning stated they had no comments but forwarded the enquiry to their enforcement department.

Decision:

The Licensing Sub-Committee, having considered the evidence and submissions, decided to modify the conditions of the licence. They determined that the addition of a condition requiring the Premises Licence Holders to submit a Noise Management Plan for approval by the Environmental Protection Team by 8 December 2026 was necessary. This plan must also include measures for managing patrons entering and leaving the premises. The Sub-Committee noted that while the Environmental Health Officer did not find sufficient evidence for a full licence review on public nuisance grounds, they acknowledged that incidents had caused disturbance and that additional noise management measures could help address these concerns.