Tennis club opposes new booze licence at clubhouse

A tennis club has raised "drunk and disorderly" objections to a neighbouring clubhouse reopening as a private events venue and selling alcohol from breakfast time.

The Corby Rugby & Cricket Club in Northamptonshire folded in 2022, and site owner Prospect Brigstock Limited has applied for a licence to serve alcohol from 07:00 to 02:30 daily at the clubhouse building off Rockingham Road.

Objections to the scheme have been lodged with North Northamptonshire Council by Corby Tennis Centre which has cited a history of rowdy behaviour.

Prospect Brigstock has told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: "It's all geared up to be an events venue; it's not high volume end-of-the-night noise. It's just to make sure there's amenities for people."

The sports club opened in 1958 but was forced to close in late 2022 due to difficulties recruiting players and fielding teams.

Prospect Brigstock said most of the club's pitches were currently non-playable due to environmental problems turning the grounds into a "floodplain".

The licence, if granted, would allow live music, plays, films, and other forms of entertainment both indoors and outdoors, although outdoor activities would end at midnight.

The owner said it would offer private parties and events about once a month.

However, the live-in managers of Corby Tennis Centre submitted an objection, citing previous "enormous" issues with noise and disruptive behaviour "coming from the venue until the early hours".

"People leaving the premises were often loud, drunk and disorderly... urinating in our car park, fighting etc.," the objection stated.

"I sincerely hope you will not put our physical and mental health at risk by allowing this license to be granted."

Neighbouring residents will be notified 14 days in advance of planned outdoor events, according to the application.

The council will decide whether to issue the licence at its meeting on 13 January.

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