Hill Head’s fire-hit Osborne View pub wins key licence ruling as locals voice major concerns

Fareham Borough Council granted the premises licence at a licensing meeting with “emotions running high” as residents opposed a bid to also play live music and screen films outside at the Osborne View in Hill Head.

The committee approved licence – allowing the serving of alcohol, inside and outside the venue. Films and live music can be played inside, with recorded music allowed outside.

Owners Hall and Woodhouse Limited applied for a new licence following the previous building burning down in February last year in and electrical fire started by a tumble dryer.

The venue is currently being rebuilt and will reopen next summer.

Some 24 residents living nearby objected to the licence, with two in support.

Chair of the Hill Head Residents Association, Pamela Charlwood, said Hall and Woodhouse worked closely with the residents during the planning application process for the four-storey venue but not during the licensing application.

The applicant’s solicitor, Brendan Herbert from Laceys Solicitors said the 300-person pub was still aimed at families and walkers.

During the hearing the applicant agreed not to play music and films outside.

Resident Suzanne Foster said: “Emotions are running high because there is no trust. Hall and Woodhouse had assured residents they were not running a late night venue.”

Another resident said she had made complaints to the pub but felt ignored.

Neighbour Susannah Fraser told the hearing her complaints had been ignored.

She said a group of customers drinking during the day had become abusive with foul language and caused damage by tearing down her washing line.

They had chanted “you’re going to die in a minute” to her husband, she said, when he asked them to stop swearing as children could hear them.

Mr Herbert said the customer behaviour was disgusting and he was disappointed to hear there was a lack of trust. The owners will be concerned and will want to fix that, he said.

After the meeting, Mark James, director at Hall and Woodhouse said: “Our residents’ views are very important to us and have helped shape the vision and plans for the rebuilding of The Osborne View, a much-loved pub. We have listened to our local community and reduced the proposed opening hours for the new pub.

“These hours align with our vision for the Osborne View as a family-friendly venue offering food and drink throughout the day, in a warm and inviting environment.”

Councillors imposed several stipulations on the licence.

These include that outside areas must be cleared of punters by 10.30pm, and 10pm on a Sunday.

The outer lobby doors should close by 10pm. Sound must be played through a limiter after 11pm and waste should not be dispposed of between 10pm and 8am.

The Osborne View can open 7am-11.30pm from Monday to Thursday, 7am-12.30am on Saturday, and 7am-11pm on Sunday.

Alcohol can be sold up to 11.30pm between Monday and Thursday, 12.30am on Sunday morning, and 11pm on Sunday.

There are longer hours up to 2am on New Year’s Day.