Agenda and draft minutes

Councillor David Fuller was duly elected to chair this meeting.

There were no declarations of members' interests.

PURPOSE

For the committee to consider an application for the grant of a new premises licence pursuant to section 18 of the Licensing Act 2003 ("the Act").  The matter has been referred to the Committee for determination following receipt of a relevant representation from a responsible authority namely Environmental Health

RECOMMENDED that the Committee determine the matter.

Introductions were made.  The applicant was represented by Neil Roberts, Simon Joynes (noise consultant) and Martin Barker.

Derek Stone, Licensing Officer, presented the Licensing Manager's report, confirmed receipt of the event safety plans for the increased size of event and set out the options available to the Sub Committee.

Questions were raised by members and it was confirmed that there were no further objections (other than Environmental Health) as a resident had withdrawn her objection after meeting with the event promoter.  There were no questions raised by other parties.

The applicant's case was presented by Neil Roberts who responded to the noise condition recommended by Environment Health, and explained measures taken since 2016 Mutiny festival on the site, with the appointment of Joynes Nash noise consultants in 2017.  He explained how they worked to meet the targets but due to concerns with some elements out of their control (such as wind direction and DJs sets) a condition could be breached temporarily whilst they would make adjustments based on monitoring.  Simon Joynes explained the technical requirements and reiterated that they would not wish to put their client in a position of non-compliance.  They strove to protect the community, and the previous year only 2 complaints had been received.  Neil Roberts reported that they publish a contact number for complaints relating to the festival.

The applicants had put together information relating to other similar events, showing what other local authorities had asked for on low frequency levels, but the sub committee members did not wish to consider this in detail but rather concentrate on the application before them. The general point was however noted.

Questions were then asked of the applicant's representatives by members, in response to which it was reported that:

·         3 events had previously been staged by the applicant at this site

·         The level of complaint had been higher in 2017 due to the wind direction

·         The event was already being promoted with ticket sales and acts booked

·         If a condition was breached this can be a criminal offence

·         Being forced to lower sound levels may lead to safety concerns on-site due to crowd movement as a result

·         Drugs testing taking place on site and use of sniffer dogs and increased medical provision (but it was pointed out that these were not issues within the lodged objection as a matter of dispute)

There were no questions raised by officers.

Responsible Authority's Case (Environmental Health)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              

Michael Thorne, Regulatory Services, explained that of the 5 conditions proposed, 4 had been accepted by the applicant, with condition no.2 regarding music low level/ bass noise levels not being accepted. It was not a new condition (based on the Mutiny event) but the wording had been strengthened to make it enforceable. This was in line with the good guidance for local authorities, and he was mindful of Arthur Dan Court residential home being nearby.  Therefore he recommended all 5 conditions be applied.

Questions were raised by members and in response the following was reported:

·         If  ...  view the full minutes text for item 14.

PURPOSE

For the committee to consider an application for the grant of a new premises licence pursuant to section 18 of the Licensing Act 2003 ("the Act").  The matter has been referred to the committee for determination following receipt of relevant representation from a responsible authority namely Environmental Health

RECOMMENDED that the Committee determine the matter.

Ben Attrill, Legal Adviser to the Sub Committee, reported that the objection to the application (by Environmental Health/Regulatory Services) had been negotiated away.  Therefore the Sub Committee noted the withdrawal of the representation, so the hearing on this application was no longer necessary. 

The application would be granted by the Licensing Manager, with agreed conditions having been accepted by the applicant.