DOZENS of neighbours are protesting against plans for a pub at Kendal's luxury apartment block Sand Aire House.

Fears about noise, safety, vandalism, graffiti and drugs have sparked 63 letters and two petitions from objectors "primarily" from people living in the flats at Sand Aire House, according to a report going before South Lakeland planners next week.

However, the district council's planning committee is poised to approve the plans on Tuesday because the principle of creating a bar and restaurant at the former Axa Insurance complex has already been established by an earlier planning permission.

The Kilner Group wishes to convert the former insurance hall with its finely detailed vaulted ceiling and plasterwork into a pub, and to create a manager's flat.

Kendal Town Council supports the plans, provided the Grade ll listed historical features are preserved.

However, objectors say that creating a pub so close to people's homes is inappropriate, while the dance floor and beer garden would suggest late-night opening hours and functions. They are concerned about noise, especially at leaving times; drugs; and the risk of vandalism and graffiti on their property. They say Kendal already has enough pubs, and they claim the vendors of the flats assured them it would be a high-class bistro/restaurant.

Planning officers say that planning permission was granted in June 2001 for the Axa complex to be converted into a bar/restaurant, office space and flats. They say that consent established the principle of food and drink use in the old part of Sand Aire House, but that permission does not include nightclubs, as many residents fear.

February 13, 2003 16:30