Helm Studios, a mixed-use creative venue in Deptford, has applied for a premises licence to sell alcohol between midday and 11pm daily, sparking fears among residents living above that it will become a nightclub. The venue, located at 3 Borthwick Street, markets itself as a creative hub offering co-working space, music and artistic studios, and a café and event space.
Licence Application Details
The application to Greenwich Council seeks permission for the sale of alcohol on the premises. The council’s Licensing Sub-Committee C is scheduled to consider the application on May 28 (Thursday). Although Helm Studios has not held a full premises licence previously, it has successfully applied for multiple Temporary Event Notices (TENs) since opening in September last year. TENs allow venues to host one-off events involving licensable activities without a permanent licence.
Noise Complaints and Resident Concerns
Greenwich Council has received noise complaints related to some of these events. Residents reported loud music playing until 4am on New Year’s Eve and disturbing music on March 20 at an unlicensed event, which prompted a formal warning from the council. Joseph Hall, who has lived in a flat above Helm Studios for 11 years, submitted the only official objection to the licence application.
In his objection letter, Mr. Hall stated that he understood when purchasing the property that it was above a co-working space, but described Helm Studios as a “very different beast.” He reported that music from events could be heard clearly in his flat, negatively affecting his and his wife’s lives and mental health. “When events are held at night it also prevents us from being able to sleep due to being able to hear the music,” he wrote. Mr. Hall claimed that at certain TEN events, the music was loud enough to make out lyrics as late as 2am. He fears that a full licence would lead to late-night events every weekend, turning the venue into a live music venue or nightclub.
Resident’s Temporary Relocation
Mr. Hall and his wife moved out of the flat last month to work abroad and are currently renting it to tenants, but they intend to return in the future. Despite his concerns, the Metropolitan Police raised no objection after Helm agreed to install a CCTV system and train staff in its use. Other responsible authorities, including Greenwich’s licensing and planning teams, also did not object to the application.
The licensing sub-committee will make a decision on the application later this week.
