Stourport Manor Hotel’s – Premises License Application
We understand the concerns from our neighbors regarding our application to extend our music and alcohol license to cover outdoors as well as extended in-door times in the early hours of the morning. However, we would like to provide a comprehensive explanation of our reasoning and how this extension would benefit not the hotel but also the local community.
There seems to be a misconception that our extended license will lead to shows and events every single day until late hours. This is not the case. Our goal is to have the flexibility to host events as needed without the administrative burden of repeatedly applying for individual event licenses. This flexibility allows us to better plan and manage events in a way that minimizes disruption to the community.
Our rational for our application:
Since the Covid-19 pandemic and the ongoing cost of living crisis, many newly engaged couples face challenges in saving for their weddings. As a result, destination weddings and smaller, more intimate gatherings have become more popular. This shift means we can no longer rely solely on weddings as the primary source of our business income.
Therefore, an outdoor license would allow us to offer a broader range of options for wedding ceremonies, including live music, outdoor bars, marquee structures, and festival-themed weddings. This flexibility would make us more appealing to a wider audience, giving couples more reasons to choose our venue for their special day. Increased outdoor events would generate additional revenue, which we plan to reinvest into improving both the hotel and its extensive grounds. The previous ownership neglected these areas, leaving us with significant structural work that often goes unnoticed. With the community’s support, we can restore the hotel to its former grandeur and create a more vibrant space for everyone to enjoy.
Since the new ownership and management took over in October 2022, the hospitality industry has faced unprecedented challenges. Despite this, we have remained resilient and committed to improving the hotel. Significant investments have been made, including new roofs, a redecorated Executive suite, refurbished rooms, an outdoor BBQ kitchen, a redecorated and tiled bandstand, an expanded and refurbished gym, and a covered shelter at the front of the hotel. These improvements are just the beginning, and we have many more planned, provided we have the community’s support.
In May 2024, we hosted our first Beer and Music festival, a family-friendly event that fostered a fantastic sense of community and belonging at Stourport Manor. All suppliers and vendors were local, and several volunteers from the community helped make the event a success. We aim to continue supporting local businesses and the community through our events, creating a symbiotic relationship where both parties thrive. As mentioned, our events will range from family-friendly festivals, outdoor cinemas, and bonfire nights to outdoor weddings and parties, dog festivals, and antique fairs. These events will be spaced out throughout the year, ensuring that there is ample quiet time and that the neighborhood is not constantly bustling with activity.
We are committed to balancing our business needs with the well-being of our neighbors. Our intention is to host a variety of events that appeal to different segments of the community, but not on a daily basis. We will thoughtfully schedule events to ensure they do not negatively impact the quality of life for those living nearby. Our goal is to establish a harmonious relationship with our neighbors, where we support each other and create a thriving community. By extending our license, we hope to secure the business’s future and continue contributing positively to the local area for many years to come.
We hope this expanded explanation helps to address the concerns of our neighbors and demonstrates our commitment to improving the hotel and supporting the local community.
How to show your support?
If you support our application, it would be very beneficial to let Wyre Forest District Council know by emailing [email protected] with reference to Stourport Manor Hotel (please make sure to CC [email protected]).
Neighbours who support our application will be able to take advantage of Stourport Manor’s facilities which will include:
- Subsidised/discounted Leisure membership for 6 months at £15pp
- 35% off all food and drinks
- Subsidised/discounted event tickets
- Subsidised/discounted prices should you wish to hold an event such as a birthday party or wedding at the hotel
Terms & Conditions apply