Wirral Council has approved plans for The Bus Yard to establish a new food and drinks venue at the North Wirral Coastal Country Park, near New Brighton. The site, located close to Wallasey Golf Club, will feature a bus and repurposed containers serving various foods and drinks.
Approval Despite Local Concerns
The planning committee approved the plans despite concerns from a local resident about potential noise pollution, litter, and antisocial behaviour. The venue will operate seasonally, open from April 1 to August 30 each year, between 10am and 8pm. Outside these months, the site will be cleared and returned to its original condition.
Director Defends Venue's Character
Speaking at the committee meeting, Andy Laird, a director at The Bus Yard, told councillors: "Our venues are very family orientated. There's a perception of it being an antisocial rave and drinking. If it was those things we wouldn't have lasted two minutes." He added that The Bus Yard actively collects litter.
Addressing noise concerns, Mr Laird said: "If the music's blaring and you're eating your food you're not going to stick around. It's strictly background music. We have acoustic singers and once in a blue moon we have DJs playing soul, funk, and disco; which is all at a minimal level."
Seasonal Conditions Enforced
A council report notes: "The land is owned by Wirral Borough Council and the applicant will therefore be required to adhere to certain requirements, including the control of windblown sand, litter and the general upkeep of the site." The planning approval includes a condition that the site must be cleared within seven days after September 30, and structures cannot be placed before seven days prior to April 1, ensuring the site remains seasonal.
