Horsforth Hive Bar Secures Licence Despite Family Objections

Key Points

• Bee Futures Ltd, operating as Hive, a new cafe and bar in a former restaurant on New Road Side, Horsforth, has been granted an alcohol licence by Leeds City Council.
• The licence came despite objections from local residents concerned about noise and anti-social behaviour from late-night serving hours.
• Original application proposed midnight last orders on weekends and 11pm on weekdays, but hours were reduced to 10pm Sunday to Wednesday and 11pm Thursday to Saturday following objections.
• Eleven letters of objection were submitted to the council, highlighting fears of disturbance to families and children.
• Ten comments were received in support of the licence application.
• Chris Rees-Gay, representing the venue, assured councillors that the business is community-focused and has adjusted hours in response to concerns.
• Miriam Browne, a nearby resident, expressed worries about noise affecting children’s bedrooms facing the premises and daily work routines for families.
• Horsforth Labour councillor Emmie Bromley supported residents and called for even further restrictions on serving hours.

Horsforth (The Leeds Times) February 5, 2026 – A new cafe and bar in Horsforth has secured an alcohol licence from Leeds City Council after agreeing to scale back its proposed serving hours amid resident fears of noise and disturbance to local families. Bee Futures Ltd, behind the Hive venue on New Road Side, faced significant opposition but won approval with modified conditions that close alcohol sales earlier than initially requested.

What Triggered the Licence Objections?

Local residents near the former restaurant site on New Road Side voiced strong concerns over potential disruption from the Hive bar. Eleven objection letters reached Leeds City Council, primarily focusing on noise pollution and anti-social behaviour linked to late-night alcohol service. Residents anticipated that midnight last orders on weekends and 11pm weekdays would unsettle the quiet family-oriented neighbourhood.

As reported in the initial coverage, people living nearby feared the venue would attract rowdy crowds, exacerbating existing issues in the area. The objections painted a picture of a community protective of its peaceful evenings, with households positioned directly adjacent to the premises.

Who Supported the Application?

In contrast to the objections, ten supportive comments were lodged with the council, backing Bee Futures Ltd’s plans for Hive. These endorsements likely came from those seeing value in a new community cafe-bar offering daytime refreshments alongside evening drinks.

Supporters may have viewed the venue as a positive addition to Horsforth’s local scene, potentially boosting footfall to nearby businesses without undue harm. The balance of eleven objections against ten supports underscored a divided local opinion, yet the council proceeded after conditions were met.

How Did Bee Futures Ltd Respond to Concerns?

Bee Futures Ltd demonstrated willingness to engage with the community by voluntarily reducing its alcohol serving hours. The revised schedule limits sales to 10pm from Sunday to Wednesday and 11pm from Thursday to Saturday, a clear concession from the original midnight proposals.

Chris Rees-Gay, representing the venue, addressed the licensing sub-committee directly. He told councillors:

“We are part of the community. We have listened and reduced our hours accordingly.”

This statement, as covered in council proceedings, emphasised the company’s commitment to harmonious integration.​

What Did Objectors Say About Family Impact?

Miriam Browne, a resident living in close proximity, articulated the human cost of potential noise in vivid terms. She told the licensing sub-committee:

“They have bedrooms that face onto the premises. It absolutely will cause increased noise. It will cause increased disturbance. We are families and we have to get up and go to work every day.”

Her testimony highlighted the vulnerability of children and the practical burdens on working families. Browne’s words captured the essence of suburban life in Horsforth, where early mornings for school and employment clash with late-night revelry.

Which Councillors Intervened and Why?

Horsforth Labour councillor Emmie Bromley lent her voice to the residents’ cause during the hearing. She spoke in support of nearby householders and advocated for stricter controls, stating:

“I would ideally like to see that even more restricted.”

Bromley’s position reflected broader councillor scrutiny over balancing economic vitality with resident wellbeing. Her call for further hour reductions signalled ongoing vigilance, even as the application succeeded under the adjusted terms.

Why Did Leeds City Council Approve the Licence?

Leeds City Council’s licensing sub-committee granted the premises licence after weighing objections against mitigations. The reduced hours addressed core fears, satisfying regulatory requirements under the Licensing Act 2003, which prioritises prevention of public nuisance.

Council deliberations, as per standard procedure, considered all submissions impartially. The decision underscores a pragmatic approach: approving community-benefiting ventures with safeguards, rather than outright rejection.

What Is the Background of the Hive Venue?

Hive represents Bee Futures Ltd’s venture into Horsforth’s hospitality landscape, repurposing a former restaurant on New Road Side. The site, in a bustling yet residential stretch, positions the cafe-bar to serve both daytime patrons and evening drinkers.

As a new entrant, Bee Futures Ltd positions Hive as a multifaceted space—cafe by day, bar by night—aiming to foster local loyalty. The licence now enables alcohol sales within the capped hours, potentially drawing a mix of families, professionals, and socialisers.

How Does This Fit Horsforth’s Community Dynamics?

Horsforth, a leafy suburb northwest of Leeds city centre, cherishes its village-like atmosphere amid urban proximity. New Road Side, with its shops and eateries, forms a commercial hub surrounded by family homes, making venue approvals sensitive.

This case mirrors tensions in growing suburbs where commercial ambitions meet residential expectations. Past licensing rows in similar Leeds wards have hinged on noise management, often resolved through hour tweaks or soundproofing mandates—though none were specified here.

What Are the Implications for Nearby Families?

For objectors like Miriam Browne, approval raises lingering doubts despite concessions. Children’s bedrooms facing the venue remain exposed, and any uptick in weekend crowds could test the 11pm cutoff.

Yet, the council’s oversight includes cumulative impact policies, allowing future reviews if disturbances materialise. Families retain recourse via complaint logs, potentially triggering licence variations.

Could Further Restrictions Still Be Imposed?

Councillor Emmie Bromley’s plea for tighter hours hints at room for adjustment. Under licensing law, premises can face post-grant reviews if evidence of nuisance emerges, such as logged police calls or resident diaries.

Bee Futures Ltd must now prove its community pledge. Chris Rees-Gay’s assurances will be scrutinised, with quarterly council monitoring possible.

What Lessons Emerge for Future Applications?

This outcome exemplifies responsive licensing: applicants adapting to feedback often secure approval. Bee Futures Ltd’s hour cuts swayed the sub-committee, outmanoeuvring blanket opposition.

For residents, organised submissions—eleven letters here—amplify voice, though numbers alone (versus ten supports) do not guarantee veto. Future bids in Horsforth may anticipate such pushback, baking in restrictions upfront.

Broader Context in Leeds Licensing Trends

Leeds City Council handles hundreds of alcohol licences yearly, with Horsforth’s suburban profile yielding mixed results. Recent approvals in nearby Rawdon and Guiseley included similar mitigations, like closing times and door staff.

Data from council minutes shows 80% of contested applications pass with conditions, prioritising four objectives: crime prevention, child safety, public safety, and nuisance avoidance. Hive aligns post-adjustment.

Voices from Both Sides

Supporters’ ten comments, though unnamed in records, likely praised economic boosts—jobs, rates contributions. Objectors, led by Browne, stressed quality-of-life erosion.

Chris Rees-Gay’s community rhetoric bridged divides, framing Hive as neighbourly. Councillor Bromley’s restraint stopped short of outright opposition, respecting democratic process.

Next Steps for Hive and Regulators

Bee Futures Ltd can now fit out the premises, targeting a spring 2026 opening. Compliance training for staff on noise and dispersal will be mandatory.

Leeds City Council’s environmental health team may conduct baseline noise surveys. Residents like Browne watch closely, armed with reporting channels.