by Stephen Waite

People living near a pub have objected against a proposal for it to remain open into the early hours.

Downmores Limited wants to reopen the Ship Inn in East Street, Sittingbourne, which closed earlier this year.

Swale council is considering an application for the option to serve alcohol until 2am on Fridays and Saturdays and midnight on Sundays to Thursdays.

Live music, screening of sporting events and dancing is also being applied for during the same hours.

But neighbours have expressed concerns that the late licence will turn the pub into a nightclub and lead to late-night disturbance and parking problems.

The council has received 32 letters and emails of objection listing potential issues including noisy music, revellers and cars leaving the area, particularly Fairview Road.

One email said the proposals would mean the Ship would “effectively change from a small public house to a nightclub/sports bar which is entirely inappropriate for the area”.

A resident stressed they were not against pubs but said a nightclub in a residential area, with retirement flats nearby, was wrong.

Another wrote: “The Ship Inn backs on to a residential estate (consisting of a mixture of elderly residents and young families) and Riverbourne Court, which is a retirement development.

“Surely this is not compatible with loud music in the early hours of the morning.”

There were also several mentions of former nightclub JJ’s in Bell Road. An objector wrote: “We have had to endure endless sleepless nights when JJ’s nightclub was open and we dread a return to those days.”

The application says doors and windows would remain shut when entertainment was on, with access restricted after 11pm.

The pub would be managed by Fearghal Campbell.

Police have requested 15 conditions are added to the premises licence, including installing CCTV and having door staff.

The council’s licensing sub-committee will meet at Swale House, East Street, Sittingbourne, at 10am on Tuesday to review the application.

• What do you think? Write to Sittingbourne News Extra, 44 High Street, Sheerness, ME12 1NL or email sittingbourne@thekmgroup.co.uk