Plans have been approved for a town centre ‘party pub’ to stay open until 3am at weekends.

The Dolphin on Albion Street in Broadstairs will now be open for an extra hour and a half during the week and thirty minutes on Friday and Saturday, following a Thanet District Council planning meeting.

Cllr Jennifer Matterface (LAB) raised concerns for residents near the pub ahead of the decision.

She said: “We are being asked to approve 7am to 3am at the weekend.

“The report does mention safeguarding residential properties, but we are looking at only four hours of respite from potential noise for those living in the area.”

Six objections have been lodged against the application with noise and anti-social behaviour the leading factors, but the pub says the extended hours will boost the business’ longevity.

Cllr Steve Albon (LAB) believes the issue is not with the changing hours but the noise created by patrons.

He said: “As in a lot of other pubs it depends on whether they let their clientele get drunk.

“My knowledge of The Dolphin is that it has always been well managed. The issues are stupid people coming out and making a load of noise and trouble. I think as a council, we must ensure that when bars are given a license, it’s appropriately enforced.

“I think the change in half an hour won't make a blind bit of difference, and as a planning application, it's a no-brainer; we should approve it.”

The Dolphin previously gained planning permission in 2021 for a single-storey extension and to change the site from a pub to a pub and restaurant.

However, this also added a condition that restricted opening hours from 10am until 1am Monday to Sunday.

Councillors were consequently asked to sign off the extended hours at the Dolphin, which are now 7am until 2.30am Sunday to Thursday, and 7am until 3am Friday and Saturday.

During the meeting on April 17, Will Whitelock from Framptons Town Planning spoke on behalf of the applicants about the challenges presented by the curbed times.

He said: “The effect of the imposed opening hours restriction is a direct loss of custom and the viability of the business is affected with patrons being able to go elsewhere.

“Public houses are an important community facility and perform a vital economic and social role, but there is a real risk that they can be lost for more financially viable uses.

“These facilities are often difficult to replace. Since 2008, a quarter of pubs have closed, with small independent pubs like The Dolphin disappearing.

“It has to be accepted that all development brings an element of change and this weighed against the benefit of the proposal should not be unacceptable.”

The planning application was approved with five votes for, three against and one abstention.

The Dolphin has been approached for comment.