A former Hale Barns wedding venue has failed to secure a new licence after the owner did not appear at a town hall hearing.

Mohammed Khan is seeking permission from licensing bosses to serve alcohol and play music at The Cheshire Barn, located along Shay Lane in the village.

But Thursday’s meeting of Trafford’s licensing panel was halted when Mr Khan did not attend to answer councillors’ questions. His agent told the committee he was abroad dealing with a family matter, and now a decision on the venue’s licence will be made next month.

Previously, while trading under the names Davenport Green Hall and Cheshire Hall, the business was plagued with noise and environmental health problems which sparked complaints from guests and residents. 

In their latest application, the venue say they plan to address these issues to comply with all licensing conditions.

In 2016, hygiene inspectors unearthed a catalogue of failings at the venue, including mouldy food and dirty fridges, during a routine inspection. 

Managers were ordered to improve standards or face prosecution.  

A new boss was drafted in to help restore its reputation after it received a string of complaints.

However, the business collapsed in 2018, according to a council report.

Now under new management, the venue could reopen if council bosses agree to grant a premises licence.

However, chairman of the authority’s licensing sub-committee Coun Anne Duffield adjourned Wednesday’s hearing after Mr Khan failed to appear. 

“The fact he isn’t here, I’ve taken the decision that would be in the public interest to adjourn the meeting, given the history of the venue,”  she said. 

“There is additional information this committee will need before it makes a decision and, therefore, he will need to be present.”

Speaking on Mr Khan’s behalf, agent Glyn Cross explained that his client had travelled to Pakistan to deal with a family matter. 

“I have permission to answer any concerns the committee may have,” he said.

“Due to his commitments overseas, he can’t be here, but I know he will be disappointed if the matter is adjourned.”

However, Coun Duffield would not sway from her decision, and set a new hearing date for May 9.

If the application is successful, drink and entertainment could be served from 10am to 11pm Sunday to Wednesday – and 10am to 1pm Thursday to Saturday.

The venue’s application listed how they plan to prevent problems in the future.

They say the entire premises will be monitored by CCTV in all public areas, particularly where smokers congregate.

“There will be a zero tolerance policy in relation to drugs being found on the premises – and there will be regular checks by management to prevent their use,” the applicants added.

“There will be a sufficient number of door staff on duty to control any instances of disorderly behaviour.

“And all areas are to be cleared of glasses and bottles on a regular basis while  all exit and entrances are to be kept clear in case of an emergency.”

The report also stated that noise associated with music and entertainment must not be so loud that it becomes a nuisance to nearby residents.

And, in a bid to keep noise levels to a minimum, all doors and windows must be shut after 11pm.

But neighbours have submitted a number of objection letters to the authority calling for the application to be refused.

They say that since the business went into receivership around two years ago, their lives have ‘returned to normal’.

But they now fear that if it reopens, living in the area will be ‘unbearable’.

“The noise generated by the arrival and departure of guests, the sound of persistent loud music – and the discharge of fireworks have been the main causes of nuisance for years,” wrote one resident.  

“In today’s sad climate of increasing violence, there is now the threat to the security of local residents in a somewhat remote rural area.”

The council’s environmental officer Nasreen Ali also raised concerns about the operating hours and how noise would impact residents.

However, she said the application may be supported if the hours of operation finish at midnight from Thursday to Saturday – and 10pm Sunday to Thursday. 

But with an additional condition that no music is played outside.