Divisive plans for a new live music venue to open opposite a retirement complex have been rejected amid claims it will “bring public nuisance into people’s homes”.

A licensing application was submitted by London-based applicants Gail 1 Limited for 11 Grace Hill, based in Folkestone town centre.

They had wanted to reopen former dive bar The Harp Restrung as a concert venue renamed the Old Harp Club.

The move had sparked fears from those living in nearby Grace Court – a block of flats for the over-65s – where residents previously said the prospect of late-night music and “people drinking on the street” was making them “incredibly anxious”.

However, the bid was rejected at a meeting held by members of Folkestone and Hythe District Council (FHDC) yesterday (Monday).

FHDC’s environmental health team had objected to the application, with an officer telling the meeting there were “several complaints” when the venue – which closed during the Covid pandemic – used to be open.

“It would have an unreasonable impact on nearby residential properties particularly the ones directly above and next to the venue,” the officer said.

The applicants had applied for permission to sell alcohol on- and off-site and have music playing as late as 1.30am on Fridays and Saturdays - and to stay open till 2am on weekends.

Neighbours also attended the licensing act sub-committee to speak out against the proposal.

Pat Garlick, of Grace Court, said: “I’ve had before drunks knock on my bedroom window and frighten the life out of me in the middle of the night.

“This place is going to be right opposite me.

“I love live music; I'm a live musician myself so I understand about live music, but not in a residential area.”

Another resident, called Lena, who lives almost directly above the proposed venue, added: “Folkestone is a vibrant, creative and evolving town and I fully support venues that bring positive energy and safe social spaces to our community.

“But placing a nightclub in the heart of Grace Hill is quite simply the wrong choice.

“Children should not fall asleep to the sound of shouting or pounding bass at 2am.

“As a young woman I must speak frankly about safety.

“The idea of groups of intoxicated individuals gathering on my street late at night is deeply unsettling.

“This proposal threatens to bring public nuisance into people’s homes. Increased traffic, illegal parking, public urination, late night shouting and loitering don’t stay in the venue they spill out onto our streets.”

In total, 32 neighbours had written to FHDC opposing the granting of the license. Six letters of support were also received by the authority.

Speaking on behalf of applicants Gail 1, a spokesman stressed to the panel that they would install sound insulation “to a high standard which will mitigate any problems with the noise which emanates from the building”.

“Folkestone has a cultural identity with it being a music town,” he continued.

“This is a facility for the entire community of Folkestone and to compromise its history and value would be a sad loss.”

Dean Saunders-Finch, also speaking for the applicants, stressed that they would be happy to adhere to a midnight closing time.

“This was never about having loud live music seven days a week,” he said.

“We would have that licence so we could if we wanted to have something on a bank holiday or on a Thursday afternoon as and when, it’s not something that would be 24/7.

“A nightclub was never our intention.”

Christian Brown, who was set to be the designated premises supervisor and manager, also spoke at the meeting

He said: “I’m from Folkestone, I live in Folkestone, I love it.

“It’s not my intention at all to upset any residents or cause any late night crazy club environment.

“I want somewhere people can go, relax and have a good time.”

However, the panel ended up rejecting the licence application outright, citing risks to public safety and the risk of public nuisance.