Neighbours are worried they will have to endure noise and anti-social behaviour if a castle is allowed to serve alcohol and play music outside during fairs and other celebrations.

Managers at Whitstable Castle in Tankerton have applied to extend the premises licence to play “non-amplified live or recorded music” outdoors from 9am to 5pm, every day of the week.

They have also asked the council if the historic site, which is currently permitted to serve alcohol indoors only, can serve drinks and refreshments outside as well.

The Whitstable Castle management team said: “At the moment, our service on the terrace is hindered by the fact customers have to queue up inside and order at the counter, which delays service.

“So, we wish to offer waitress service on our patio.

“As for the entertainment, this is for castle events only – for which we can already obtain Temporary Notices up to 21 per year.”

But people who live nearby say noise and parking trouble caused by events already taking place at the castle is a pain.

Neighbour Matthew Valentine said castle guests often illegally parked on roads close to the venue, making life difficult for residents.

“I believe that the proposed changes to the licence could cause considerable nuisance and noise in a residential area,” said Mr Valentine.

“Existing outdoor music from the castle at events often makes it impossible for us to sit in our garden comfortably.

“During daytime events now it is common to see vehicles parked on double yellow lines – this causes considerable nuisance to residents and could present a danger to pedestrians, especially after dark.”

The prospective changes would also permit the venue to sell alcoholic drinks for consumption on and off the premises between 9am and 10pm every day of the week.

Petitioning Canterbury City Council, Whitstable Castle explained that the prospective arrangement would allow them to be more flexible with catering for different types of events.

“We would like our current licence for sales of alcohol extended to include outdoors,” the application states.

“More party central, than community hub, with absolutely no consideration for its neighbours...”

“This will enable us to use a temporary static bar for events, fairs and weddings; and our patio area for tearoom sales and table service.

“All off sales would be within the premises’ perimeter fence.”

Despite the venue’s assurances, residents such as Paul Wille fear adjusting the castle’s premises licence would spell trouble for the neighbourhood.

“The inclusion of an outdoor alcohol licence is only going to increase the likelihood of disturbance, both with noise and anti-social behaviour,” said Mr Wille.

“Whitstable Castle, which likes to portray itself as a ‘community hub’, aimed at family activities for all age groups, now wishes to be granted a licence to sell alcohol outdoors and play live/amplified music whenever it basically sees fit.

“More party central, than community hub, with absolutely no consideration for its neighbours.”

The application is to go before the Canterbury City Council’s licensing sub-committee on Wednesday, June 21.

Whitstable Castle management team say they are happy to speak with neighbours about any concerns they may have.