A pub landlord told to pull the plug on live music in his beer garden after just a single noise complaint says the move has already cost him up to £20,000.

John Hinsley shut down the popular gigs at the Grove Ferry in Upstreet after a neighbour raised a grievance with Canterbury City Council (CCC) last September.

He was advised to pause the outside entertainment by owner Shepherd Neame to avoid licensing issues and so a long-term solution could be sought.

And now it appears a remedy has been found, as a bid has been submitted to build a special stage with acoustic protection to shield surrounding properties from the noise.

Mr Hinsley says the return of live music is vital to the pub, which attracts thousands in the warmer months to live events on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

“People love it, which is why we have more than 120 tables outside and a capacity of 500 people, which is one of Kent’s biggest pub gardens,” he said.

“But with that comes the biggest running costs, so you have to find a way to make it work and pay the bills.

“Winter is dead here so every seat needs to be full in the summer.”

The decision to stop live gigs was triggered by a complaint from a resident living more than 400 metres away, in Beckett’s Wood.

CCC informed Shepherd Neame of the issue, which in turn spoke with Mr Hinsley.

He said: “In a way, I like the fact one person can make a difference, but when it comes to affecting thousands of people, I do not think that should be allowed.

“Since March, I have lost between £15,000 and £20,000.

“I always start the live music on Mother’s Day each year but we were confined inside.

“I would usually have more tables and I only took £3,000, but we normally take up to £8,000.

“It is a massive loss as I was not able to use the outside space.”

Shepherd Neame says it engaged with the council’s environmental health team to find a long-term solution to music returning without impacting neighbours.

It has proposed building a permanent, “reasonably small” stage enclosed in noise reduction timber on three sides and capable of accommodating three- or four-piece bands.

Planning papers lodged with CCC add that noise surveys have been conducted to help the gigs return between 2pm and 9pm, from Friday to Sunday.

If the proposals are approved the new stage would face south, directing sound away from residents. The existing marquee used for live music faces north towards homes.

Shepherd Neame says music events are not likely to “unduly affect the nearest residents”, arguing its plans should not be refused by the council based on noise disturbance.

CCC confirmed it received the noise complaint last year.

"Officers investigated and spoke to representatives from the premises about the options available to them to resolve this issue but they voluntarily offered to temporarily cease live music performances,” a spokesman said.

"We have now received a planning application for the installation of an 'open-sided outbuilding for use as music stage' at this premises.

“This is currently going through the standard process and will be determined in due course."

Shepherd Neame boss Greg Wallis says live music “contributes strongly to the pub’s popularity and long-term viability”.

“Last summer a complaint was made to Canterbury City Council by a resident regarding noise levels at the pub,” he said.

“While enforcement action was not taken by the council, the pub wishes to formalise its live music arrangement and minimise any future risk of disturbance.

“It has therefore paused playing outdoor music, and following detailed noise surveys, submitted a planning application for the installation of an enclosed panelled stage within the garden.”