A CITY pub has been given the go-ahead to open for longer hours after getting support from hundreds of residents.
The Arch Rivals in Netherton Court can also now use an adjacent arch for more outdoor seating and an upstairs mezzanine space after planning permission was granted by Worcester City Council.
The Oasis-themed micropub received a staggering amount of support during a planning consultation, with 420 members of the public submitting comments of support to the council.
PERMISSION: The Arch Rivals can now open for longer hours (Image: James Connell/Newsquest photos)
Four people, most notably council leader Lynn Denham as the ward member for the area, submitted objections.
Cllr Denham voiced her concerns about the increased noise disturbance for nearby residents and the safety of customer seating in the outdoor pathway with delivery vehicles.
The other three complaints on this request came to the council from residents of nearby apartment complex at Magdala Court.
Jacqueline Mills said: “Over the years we have been subjected to amplified quiz/comedy nights, horrendous block party/music late night nuisance noise coming from customers leaving the arch rivals pub.”
But far more people were in favour of the proposals.
Katarzyna Wojitowicz said: “This bar is a cornerstone to the community here in Worcester, we are all made to feel welcome and included no matter your background.”
Many people commented on the pub’s unique atmosphere and the owner’s commitment and contribution to the area, which they say has become one of Worcester’s most vibrant spots for nightlife.
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Linda Blythe-Mortimer said the pub “has a distinctive vibe which makes it unique – its position beneath the railway line is an excellent example of using wasted space and makes it just that much more quirky”.
Jack Wassel, a former student at the University of Worcester, said: “The Arch Rivals pub was an extremely important part of my university experience several years ago where it provided me [the] opportunity to meet new friends and socialise in the community’’.
The Arch Rivals has been given permission to open 11am to 11pm from Sunday through to Thursday, 11am to 12.30am on Fridays, Saturdays and Bank Holidays, and 11pm to 1am on New Years Eve.
We contacted the owner of Arch Rivals for a comment.
