An Aberdeenshire hotel’s bid to help it “survive the impacts” of Covid-19 by expanding an outdoor seating area has been denied amid noise concerns.
The Boat Inn in Aboyne had submitted an application for a major variation of its premises licence to Aberdeenshire Council.
Yesterday, following an online meeting of the licensing board, councillors unanimously refused permission for the hotel, restaurant and pub to have an extra 32 seats for customers to eat and drink outside.
Neighbours had objected to plan, claiming it would lead to nise nuisance.
Councillors did, however, agree to allow the premises to offer takeaway food, and approved three separate parts of the application to conditionally allow other outdoor areas for food and drink consumption.
David Haywood, the owner of the Boat Inn, said the premises employs 43 local full and part-time members of staff.
He said: “We’re pleased that we’ve secured our areas B, C and D with conditions, but disappointed about our proposed Area A.
“It’s a nice outdoor space and lent itself well to our alfresco dining, so it’s a real shame.
“But we respect the decision of the board, and we just have to get on with it.
“If the pandemic becomes a long-term issue and we suffer the impacts of further national or regional lockdowns, then the issue is we need to build resilience and flexibility into the business.
“I can envision a scenario where indoor activity is prohibited but outdoor is allowed, so we were trying to get to a point where we had the flexibility to utilise all the areas we’ve got.
“If it hadn’t been for Covid-19, we would not have made this application.”
Mr Haywood said he is still considering his options regarding a potential appeal.
