Council decision allows Delaney’s to trade later despite local objections
Delaney’s restaurant on Castle Road could be open until 11pm every night following a licensing decision, despite concerns from “the same group of neighbours” who object “to absolutely everything that we do”.
The restaurant at 77B Castle Road applied to Portsmouth City Council to extend its opening hours and the sale of alcohol.
From Monday to Sunday, alcohol could be served until 11pm, and until 1am on New Year’s Day.
The café/bistro’s plans have received no objections from responsible authorities and there have been no noise complaints in the last two years. In addition, 22 letters of support from local residents were submitted in favour of the application.
The applicant said that extending the hours would be in line with 13 other businesses in the area that trade during those hours. However, they added they won’t “necessarily” be open until 11pm every single night.
The plans have attracted objections from eight local residents. One resident, who lives on Castle Road, said that noise is particularly bad when people sit, smoke or drink outside the front door of the restaurant.
After raising concerns with the restaurant, they felt “gaslit” with their problems “not taken seriously” or cared about.
“As a result, trust is being eroded and I don’t feel like there is an awareness of their impact on others or community respect. It feels like Delaney’s will do what they want without any care or consideration for the residents that they impact.”
“The pedestrianised area of Castle Road is not fit for outside drinking and eating – sound travels differently now and it is not fair for residents to suffer for the financial gain of businesses.”
During the sub-committee, the applicant said they have the same group of neighbours who “have objected to absolutely everything that we do”, whether it’s licensing changes or leaving tables and chairs outside for longer.
They added that the restaurant has always valued community, stating they’ve “grown with Southsea and Castle Road is our home”.
When outlining the sub-committee’s decision, the chair, Councillor Emily Strudwick, granted the revised premises licence, citing the lack of concerns from responsible authorities, like the police, and the “level playing field” it would create with the 13 surrounding businesses.
She noted measures such as double-glazed back doors and air conditioning would reduce noise, as windows would not need to be open during the hotter months.
She said noise nuisances could be addressed by restricting drinks being taken outside after 9pm.