Plans for a drum and bass event which will run until the early hours of the morning at a controversial pub on the Norfolk Broads have been approved by councillors. 

The Beauchamp Arms, which sits on the banks of the River Yare, will be allowed to host the dance music event on December 9, South Norfolk Council (SNC) has agreed. 

The prominent pub, which is run by Raymond Hollocks, has been controversial in recent months, with officials at SNC revealing that it was facing a licensing review at a previous meeting and a court case set to get under way next month.  

While Mr Hollocks owns the venue, he is not hosting the event, with the application submitted by Jamie Lloyd.  

Eastern Daily Press: The Beauchamp Arms pub. Picture: David Hannant (Image: Archant)The Beauchamp Arms pub. Picture: David Hannant (Image: Archant) (Image: Archant)

The bid was approved by SNC’s licensing committee on Monday, just weeks after another license for the same venue was rejected over noise complaints. 

One complaint came from a boat moored at Coldham Hall, some 2.5 miles away. Others were over a wide area of the Yare valley, from Rockland St Mary to Hassingham. 

Both meetings were held to discuss requests for a 'temporary event notice’ (TENs). 

Having a TEN allows the venue to stay open until 3am, two hours later than the pub's normal licence. 

At the most recent meeting the same noise complaints were raised. 

But, while the committee heard that no changes had been made to the venue that would help limit the noise, it was revealed that no complaints had been made when Mr Lloyd had held a previous event at the pub. 

A solicitor speaking on behalf of SNC said: “The committee decided to grant the TEN because of the antecedent history of this particular promoter, particularly as he indicated he would be using a smaller sound system than that situated in the venue currently.” 

Reacting to the news, Mr Hollocks said it was the “absolutely correct” decision. 

Mr Hollocks also said he had not been made aware that he faced a potential licence review until it was revealed in this newspaper.  

“Nothing has been said to us about it,” he said. 

“The pub has been here since 1720, it’s impossible for this to be a viable business without these functions. 

“We take as much in one event as we do in three months normally. 

“I’m doing my utmost to keep it going.” 

He insisted they check the noise and even go above licensing requirements by hiring extra security for the events.