Strict noise rules for Needham Market pub after live music row

A pub that vowed to "save the future of live music" after council bosses threatened to revoke its licence has been told it can hold only two outdoor shows a month.

The Rampant Horse, in Needham Market, Suffolk, used to regularly hold live music events that championed local artists.

Mid Suffolk District Council took it to court after receiving noise complaints, prompting the pub to launch a petition.

But ahead of the court hearing, the parties agreed new conditions.

The pub can still host outdoor gigs but only twice a month and only between May and September.

Saturday events can be held only between 12:00 and 21:00 GMT, and Sunday events only between 12:00 and 18:00 GMT. Shows cannot be held on consecutive days.

Under the new rules, the licence holder must devise and implement an external area noise management plan in consultation with the council.

A spokesperson for Mid Suffolk District Council: "We are keen to support pubs in our district, and want everyone to be able to enjoy themselves.

"But we also have a legal duty to protect a pub's neighbours if noise from amplified music during outdoor performances causes a continued public nuisance.

"We have worked with the premises and agreed conditions which we hope will strike the right balance between the pub being able to hold live music while protecting the local community from excessive noise."

According to the authority, the issue that prompted "multiple complaints from residents" was "amplified music".

But landlords at the pub previously said their events ran "with strict deadlines to acts playing and regular decibel measurements throughout the course of the set".

They also highlighted that they had been "successfully hosting live music events for a number of years" without issue.

The Rampant Horse has been contacted for comment.