PLANS for Burnley’s first micro pub have been unveiled – but has immediately run into difficulties with a potential neighbour.

Licensing bosses will this week decide whether James Mansfield is permitted to open the Beer Shack, a new real-ale emporium, in Manchester Road.

But solicitor Stuart Smith, who has offices above the would-be bar, has lodged strong objections to the venture, from the Nottinghamshire-based entrepreneur, who is also involved with a company called Medieval Beers. In a letter to the borough council, Mr Smith blasted the authority first for not officially notifying him of the licensing application.

And he added: “I have had a look at the website for Medieval Beers and it seems to me that this is a micro-brewery and I am extremely concerned that if planning approval is granted then the applicant may well wish to brew beer on the site.

“I note from my personal experience of visiting breweries that this will create a smell that will affect many properties in the vicinity.”

Mr Smith has also told councillors that he fears the disruption that he iscurrently experiencing from customers of the Big Window, opposite his premises, will only get worse if the micropub is given the go-ahead. Mr Mansfield is head brewer at Medieval Beers. And he is also the co-owner of a similar micropub, also known as the Beer Shack, in Hucknall, Notts.

The brewer has already pledged not to have live or recorded music played within the premises after mediation talks with another neighbour, Frost and Co estate agents.

Three councillors will make a final ruling on Mr Mansfield’s licensing application at Burnley Town Hall.