Kensington Hotel’s request for bands and DJs rejected due to impact of noise on neighbors

A HOTEL was forced to end its plan to play loud music after neighbors complained it would ruin their night’s sleep.

The Norwood Payneham & St Peters Council Development Review Panel last week rejected a request by the owners of the Kensington Hotel to allow bands and DJs to play amplified music at the Regent St.

Currently, the pub, better known as The Kensi, is limited to background music and performances by unaccompanied pianists, singers and guitarists.

The panel, which debated the issue for nearly 90 minutes, said the music would disturb nearby residents and could not guarantee that the hotel would meet development conditions such as closing all windows and doors when the music is played.

A “verbal stoush” between pub management and residents followed the meeting, according to Mr. Sam McInnes, general manager of the Hurley hotel group, owner of the Kensi.

Mr McInnes said he was “shocked” by the decision because the hotel wanted to support local musicians and entertain guests.

“The problem is perception and reality,†Mr. McInnes said.

“There is a perception that we are going to interfere with the enjoyment of people in the area, but there is no way we can have a group of three musicians playing there.

“We would probably only have an amplified acoustic guitar and a singer – that would be the most common.”

Since 1999, the hotel has not been able to host bands, function as a nightclub, pump heavy metal or rock, and can only play easy-to-listen music.

The new proposal would have allowed the hotel to play music up to 97 dB, which is the sound of a jackhammer or lawn mower.

The staff at the Kensington Hotel should have used a sound level meter to monitor the noise level.

Ten residents near the hotel, some of whom attended the meeting, complained about the proposal.

Resident Judy Carman said neighbors wouldn’t be able to sleep if louder music was introduced.

“And that’s just the sound of the band. Then there are people clapping, clapping, stamping their feet and shouting in encouragement, â€said Dr. Carman.

Resident Keith DeGiglio, who represented five neighbors, said allowing music would only worsen noise issues.

“My partner and I have moved three times already due to the impact of noise from customers,†said DeGiglio.

“The developer app doesn’t give us the necessary level of confidence in handling live music.

Panel member Kevin Duke said at the meeting that he was unsure how the coziness of the area would be maintained with louder music.

“I have great sympathy for the operators who want to have a business activity there, but also for the residents who have bought in the area and who do not want to see the amenities reduced in any way,†said Mr. Duke.

Panel member Phil Smith understood hotel management wanted more flexibility, but worried that conditions, such as closing all windows and doors, were not being followed properly.

Mr. McInnes was unsure whether he would appeal the decision.