Plans to expand a York bar have been approved amid complaints over live music.
An application from The Dubliner to expand its bar area into its first floor has been approved by City of York Council.
The Irish bar’s plans stated the refurbishment would refresh the bar and help support the building’s long-term commercial viability.
But a neighbouring business objected over live music at the bar which they said could be disruptive and council public protection officers said other noise complaints had been lodged.
Council planning officers ruled the expansion would support York’s evening economy but barred the venue from staging live performances or playing recorded music on the first floor.
Plans from the bar, in Tanner’s Moat, are set to see the internal partitions separating the rooms in the first floor accommodation demolished.
The four-bedroom flat previously served the venue when it traded as The Maltings pub which closed prior to The Dubliner opening there in December 2024.
A new bar, seating, toilets and food preparation area are set to be created on the first floor following the demolition works.
Plans also include removing the existing ground floor kitchen and changes to the current bar to allow coffee to be served there.
Works to improve accessibility, including putting new disabled and unisex toilets on the ground floor, are also planned.
Men’s toilets on the ground floor are set to be moved to the first floor to free up room for the changes.
The venue’s application stated the works would not alter the outside appearance of the building which dates back to the 19th Century.
They added the changes would help made the building’s continued use as a pub and live music venue viable.
Plans stated: “The alterations involve a significant change to extend the licensed public drinking area.
“The comprehensive internal alterations, including the crucial change of use on the first floor, are sympathetic to the building’s character, as they are contained within the existing structure.”
An objector based in neighbouring officers said they could already live bands when they play on the bar’s ground floor, though only in their kitchen and breakout rooms.
But they added they were fearful of further disruption if live music is allowed on the first floor.
Council public protection officials said they had received complaints about live music but the venue told them it had no plans for performances on the first floor.
Planning officers stated the works were considered acceptable.
They said: “The first floor has been assessed as having sufficient sound insulation between the party walls for a busy pub or bar.”
“The applicant has advised that the live music will only be in the ground floor, where a stage is provided, and no recorded or live music will be played at first floor.”
