A historic entertainment venue in Dover has lost its premises licence after complaints over noise and anti-social behaviour.

The Kings Hall in London Road is a listed Georgian building which was renovated in 1997 by owner Brian Ward, to be used for a variety of events from live music to weddings.

On Thursday, July 30 the premises licence was revoked by Dover District Council’s licensing panel.

At the meeting, members of the panel and the public heard from Environmental Health officers who applied for a court order to remove amplifiers and sound equipment. They also heard from the police who showed videos of groups coming out of the hall at 1.30am fighting, and blocking nearby roads.

Four residents gave eye witness statements at the hearing and this comes after many complaints were made about the hall on social media.

Two years ago, when Mr Ward’s health declined he leased the property to two Slovakian businessmen.

"It’s a beautiful Georgian building, and there it stands idle. That’s the biggest tear jerker for me.” - Mr Ward.

He claims that since then there have been lots of complaints and he says this is despite the noise being at the same level as it has been for the last 18 years.

He said: “My main aim now is to sell and get out. I don’t like the environment anymore.

“I closed the building five weeks ago, before all that, because I couldn’t cope with the animosity and aggro.”

Mr Ward says he understood the meeting was a review of the licence but was never told this could result in it being entirely revoked, meaning no events can now be held there.

He said: “It’s a beautiful Georgian building, and there it stands idle. That’s the biggest tear jerker for me.”

The building has been used for many charity events over the years and Mr Ward said he has raised thousands of pounds for Kent Air Ambulance and lots of other charities close to his heart.

Cllr Pam Brivio said she was glad to see the council had worked swiftly to stamp out anti-social behaviour.

She said: “The Kings Hall has been a wonderful community asset for many years and I’ve enjoyed going there as a patron, but with so many complaints in such a short space of time, I’m glad DDC acted so quickly.

“The Kings Hall has always been a fantastic location and I hope it will repair its reputation as one of the best places to go in Dover.” - Cllr Wallace.

“People living next to the Kings Hall had such a horrid time recently that I’m glad they can sleep at night now.”

Mr Ward has 28 days to appeal but says he is unlikely to do so.

Dover district and town councillor, Peter Wallace, said: “I spoke to several residents who were anxious, stressed, their children couldn’t sleep and they had people in their garden.

"I’d like to congratulate the residents who bravely spoke out and worked with the council to swiftly put an end to the problem.

“Also the council staff have acted quickly and with exemplary skill, and Cllr Pam Brivio worked incredibly hard to make this a priority.

“The Kings Hall has always been a fantastic location and I hope it will repair its reputation as one of the best places to go in Dover.”