Residents in Colwyn Bay have voiced strong objections after Rydal Penrhos School applied for a late-night alcohol licence for its cricket pavilion, New Field, on Walshaw Avenue. The application to Conwy Council seeks permission for events including live music, indoor sports, film nights, and boxing and wrestling, with alcohol sales until midnight.
The original proposal requested a licence until 2.30am on Saturdays, but these hours have been reduced following feedback. Local resident Fred Smith, who lives next to the venue, expressed concern: 'At the moment, a few events happen now and again at New Field and that's fine. But this application sounds like many more events are planned, and it’s vastly different to what goes on now.'
Smith highlighted that the area is a quiet residential zone with several nursing homes nearby and lies within a conservation area. 'It would be a shame to see the area spoilt with all the noise,' he added.
A spokesperson for Rydal Penrhos said the school has a 'commercial strategy' and that while external bookings would be allowed, the majority of users would be from the Rydal community. The venue is already used for events such as Speech Day, wedding wakes, and funeral receptions.
