Tory Council slammed as Merrymeade alcohol license backed

Residents of Merrymeade House and Brentwood North's Liberal Democrat councillors are united in their condemnation of Brentwood Council's decision to grant Brentwood Leisure Trust (BLT) permission to serve alcohol in a Grade 2 listed building directly beneath resident's homes.

Approval of the application comes following the transfer of community services from Old House in Shenfield Road to Merrymeade House last year.

Licence approval comes despite complaints from residents and ward councillors concerning noise, policing of alcohol use and pre-existing anti social behaviour and consumption of alcohol on the premises without permission.

Residents of Merrymeade House have been advised subsequent to approval that their properties may now be un-mortgageable.

In a statement, Brentwood North Councillors Ross Carter, Philip Mynott and Reg Straw said:

"We are appalled and deeply disappointed at the decision by Brentwood Council to prioritise revenue for Brentwood Leisure Trust over the welfare and security of it's residents in granting the license at Merrymeade House.

"This is a semi rural residential area and it beggars belief that Brentwood Council think that a semi rural residential area, bordered by an ambulance station, elderly persons' accommodation and two schools is suitable for a seven day a week alcohol licence. Residents feel like the Council has gone mad and are incredibly disappointed at this decision"

Merrymeade House residents Emma Goodsell and Shane Byram echoed these concerns:

"We feel we have been unfairly treated, it was an unfair decision and if the Leisure Trust didn't owe £613,000 to the council then then we feel the decision would of been different.

"The Government, local council and property companies joined together to make things easy for first time buyers, now the license has been approved to us we fear we won't even be able to sell our first home due to a licensed bar downstairs. How is this helping the youngsters of today?"