THE owner of an historic Torbay mansion says he may not have leased the property to a charitable trust last year had he known it was going to apply for an alcohol licence.

Vernon Duker says he leased the Grade II-listed Lupton House to the Lupton Trust 'on the understanding' it was to be used as a 'community centre for Brixham people'.

The trust has since applied for a premises licence to sell alcohol from 10am to midnight and provide entertainment, such as live music and dancing, from 8am to midnight, seven days a week at the site.

Trust chairman Janet Howard says the alcohol licence would only come into force during charitable events such as an opera concert planned in December where mulled wine would be served.

The trust has applied for an all-day every-day licence to serve alcohol for flexibility purposes, she said.

In reality, alcohol would only be supplied at the property 'once or twice a month maximum at this time, for very quiet dos,' Mrs Howard insisted.

The application has received three objections, including one from Mr Duker, who also owns the Palace Hotel in Torquay.

He fears a fully licensed Lupton House would become a "late-night drinking magnet for young people from miles around, which would mean drink drivers spilling out onto a very dangerous bend on the Brixham Road in the early hours".

Mr Duker said: "When I was approached about leasing the property to the trust I was told it was to be for community purposes and for working with children.

"It was a lovely idea and I said 'fine, I don't mind that happening at all'.

"I certainly think the question of a licence seven days a week from 10am to midnight is completely incompatible with their original aims.

"I doubt I would have leased the property to them if I had known they were applying for a licence.

"I have no doubt the rural tranquility of the whole Churston Ferrers area will be ruined should this licence be granted."

Mrs Howard said Mr Duker's objections were based on a 'misconception' of the reasons behind the application.

She said: "Lupton House is for charities to raise money. It is totally for charitable use and the greater good.

"There is no way it will be a magnet for young people. Young people have asked us if they can have parties here and we've already said this is not the kind of place for that sort of thing. The licence would purely be for charitable purposes.

"Charities are struggling in the current economic downturn. We want to say to them come and use this venue and try and raise some money.

"But if they want music we need a licence and if they want to offer a glass of wine we need a licence."

The application will be considered by the licensing sub-committee today at 2pm at Torquay Town Hall.