A THURROCK pub could soon be reopening its doors after being granted a reprieve by licensing councillors.

The New Courthouse on King Street in Stanford-le-Hope was closed in November last year after Thurrock Council revoked its licence after several breaches of noise abatement orders.

Earlier this month (Tuesday, 14 January), the pub's operators, the EI  Group, applied for a review and made committed to meeting all licensing requirements.

The council's initial action was brought on Prevention of Public Nuisance grounds after 57 noise complaints had been received relating to the premises and breaches of a Noise Abatement Notice that had been served on the Designated Premises Supervisor in March 2024.

After the latest application hearing, councillors have given the venue and its operators another chance.

The pub cannot reopen for at least 21 days from the date of the decision (14 Jan) as there is a legal requirement for any objectors to have time to oppose the decision.

But it seems likely the pub will reopen in early February and shutters that were in place have now been removed.

The operators have agreed there will be no more noisy outdoor events and that the following conditions will be met. 

1. All functions with amplified sound to be held in the premises function room.

2. All doors and windows in the function room will remain shut during events to prevent the escape of noise and amplified sound.

3. A noise limiting device should be installed in the function room. All events with amplified sound should be powered through the noise limiting device with cut out levels agreed with environmental protection officers.