A QUAKER-founded housing trust has applied for a licence to sell alcohol at a retirement community.

But some residents object to the plans - saying the facility is “not a pub or a club”.

Joseph Rowntree Housing Trust is hoping to serve drinks to visitors until midnight at Hartrigg Oaks in New Earswick.

One person writing in objection to the proposals said the average age of residents is 80, with the oldest aged over 100.

The writer added: “Noise both inside the building and outside would be quite frightening to many of these residents and sadly people who have imbibed alcohol are not always in control of what they do.

“We have always respected Quaker principles of not encouraging people to drink to excess which we fear could happen here. It is not a pub.”

The garden village was founded by Quaker and philanthropist Joseph Rowntree in 1901. Hartrigg Oaks retirement complex was established by the Joseph Rowntree Trust.

The site has an existing licence to serve alcohol to its residents.

But one person raised concerns that the new licence would enable the organisation to open the restaurant to the public.

Another resident, writing to object to the plans, said: “We each pay a considerable sum to come and live in this community, a large part of its attraction is the peace of mind and tranquility of lifestyle which our community provides. Hartrigg Oaks is not a bar.

“There is other provision for those retirees who want their social life to centre upon alcohol consumption.”

But the licensing application says the trust would like to host events for residents and visitors, during which it hopes to serve alcohol. The trust says it is “committed to responsible drinking".

A number of people wrote letters in support of the plans, although some felt midnight was too late and the bar should stop serving drinks at 10pm.

One person said: “As a community of ageing residents we all look out for each other and care staff are always on hand if required.

“Events act to bring the community together in the congenial, safe and pleasant surroundings our restaurant provides.”

Another wrote: “There has certainly never been any kind of drunkenness, disorderly behaviour or risk to anyone. Everyone is very considerate of each other’s needs.”

Hartrigg Oaks is home to about 250 people and is made up of 152 one and two-bedroom bungalows as well as a 42-bedroom care home.

The application will be decided at a council meeting at West Offices at 10am today (Thursday, December 13).