NEIGHBOURS are putting pressure on the council to block plans for alcohol and recorded music in a café and bakery on their doorstep.

Three of them have submitted objections to an application for an alcohol licence at The Village Café and Bakery, in Bath Road, Cheddar.

Sean Battles and Jacqueline Lewis are seeking permission to sell alcohol and play music between noon and 10pm Monday to Saturday and noon to 6pm on Sundays.

Their application states that an outside courtyard with 20 covers will be used in the summer, although "no external music will be played to respect our neighbours".

They plan charcuterie, fine wine and cheeses evenings, which will "complement our Bath Arms property opposite with an additional choice for our guests".

They add: "The bakery takeaway side is looking to offer fine wine and craft beets for tourists in summer with their hampers and takeaway food etc plus these options for locals looking to get our seriously good food on their way home from work."

Among objections raised by the neighbours are increased noise levels, causing "potential disturbance" and "excessive days and hours" sought by the applicants.

They also point out that the applicants are involved in the nearby pub directly opposite, which they believe could reasonably host any planned events.

One of the objectors wrote: "I understand the need for business to thrive and I am willing to consider this application under certain conditions.

"I am happy for the business in question to sell alcohol as a takeaway option, such as sealed bottles of wine, beer, or spirits.

"Moreover, I am amenable to the idea of alcohol sales on the premises, so long as it does not affect residents’ daily life or cause disturbances.

"This includes ensuring that noise levels are kept at a reasonable level and with an assurance that no drinking of alcohol is permitted in the evening."

The application will be considered by Somerset Council's licensing sub-committee next Monday (November 20).