A ROADSIDE café near Abergavenny is set to become a biker destination after being granted a licence to host live music and sell alcohol, despite residents’ protests.

People living nearby said they feared the venue, soon to be known as the Steel Horse Café, would attract a large number of bikers to Llanvihangel Gobion and could result in speeding along the B4598, as well as posing a risk to children.

Monmouthshire Council licensing sub-committee heard on Thursday, March 21, that owner Finn McLoughlin had altered his application so live music would not be amplified, and alcohol would not be sold outdoors.

A report by senior licensing officer Samatha Winn said no representations were received from Gwent Police, social services, environmental health, trading standards, planning, the health board or South Wales Fire and Rescue Service.

Councillor Sara Jones, member for Llanover, said the effect would be “disproportionate and unreasonable for people living nearby”, while Jemima Myrddin-Evans, of Gobion Manor, said she feared children playing near the café could overhear inappropriate conversations.

“The mix of alcohol and children is not a good mix and we’re really concerned about it,” she said.

Roy Light, representing Mr McLoughlin, said the premises had been licensed for around 100 years and would be an essential contribution to the local economy.

The venue was formerly known as the Charthouse Bar and Bistro, and before that the Herbert Arms.

“People didn’t shout and swear when this was a pub or restaurant and they won’t do it now,” said Mr Light.

“Prince William rides a motorbike, they come from all sorts of backgrounds, we understand there are fears but that is all they are, there is no evidence to support them.

“[The owners] are not going to run an establishment to scare local people off.”

The committee granted a licence on the condition no drinking glasses were taken outside and live music is restricted to the patio area.

Chairman Cllr Linda Guppy asked Mr McLoughlin to respect Good Friday, Easter Sunday, Christmas Day and Remembrance Sunday.

Objectors now have the right to appeal against the decision, she said.

Aplanning application by Mr McLoughlin’s mother, Gwyneth Jones, to change part of the premises’ use to sell second- hand motorcycles is still being considered.