LICENSING chiefs have given the go-ahead for Grange Court in Leominster to sell alcohol and host live music and outdoor plays.

Leominster Area Regeneration Company Development Trust representatives successfully applied to Herefordshire Council for a licence to host indoor and outdoor plays, films, live and recorded music, dance, and the sale and supply of alcohol seven days a week from 10am to 11pm.

The council’s licensing sub-committee decided to grant the licence for alcohol sale and consumption indoors and within the walled garden area.

However, the area in front of Grange Court will be out of bounds as it falls within the town’s alcohol prohibition area.

LARC trustee and town councillor Russel Sutcliffe said he was pleased with the decision, and hopes it will benefit Leominster.

“It means we can host more types of events there and hopefully it will raise the income levels for Grange Court,” he said.

“We are hoping it will benefit the town.

“It means we can host fine dining events or if people want wine and cheese with a meeting we can offer that too.”

County councillor John Stone, who is also a trustee, said he thought it was good news.

“We wanted the licence so that we can attract more people to hire it out for functions,” he said.

“This will hopefully lead to more income and will help protect such an iconic building.”

The county council transferred ownership of the grade II* building, which was built by John Abel ‘the King’s Carpenter’ in 1633, to LARC for the sum £1 in 2013.

The registered charity’s website says it has raised more than £3m to ensure that the former market hall is owned and controlled by the people of Leominster.