CONCERNED residents have objected to plans for a popular pub to set up a bar outside amidst fears it will lead to noise and disruption.

Greene King, which runs the Rovers Tye, on Highwoods Approach, Colchester, wants to vary its licence to allow it to put a bar in its beer garden.

Colchester Council’s licensing sub committee is set to decide on the bid.

But residents who live near the popular venue say they are against the proposals and have called on the council to refuse the application.

In documents set to go before the committee, one resident who lives on the St John’s estate said: “Very occasionally there is an outdoor event with music and sometimes smells of cooking which are quite apparent even at this distance.

“It is not too bad a problem as things usually quieten down by 10pm.

“If, however, an outside bar leads to this sort of thing or to an increase in noise from customers on most fine evenings, it would be very disturbing - perhaps until closing time.

“Any such activity would be so much worse for those living nearby, of course.”

The three Highwoods ward councillors - Beverley, Gerard and Philip Oxford - have all objected to the plans. They said: “We get complaints regularly from residents some of whom have already written in.

“The application is likely to increase crime and disorder, noise and public nuisance.

“[We] have witnessed shouting, noise, and disorder even the picket fence has been kicked out and had to be repaired on a number of occasions.

“I have to say residents have commented that sometimes walking past this garden area when it’s at its worse can be intimidating and they fear adding a bar outside is likely to increase alcohol intake and public nuisance.”

The council’s committee will have the final say.