Agenda item

The application

To consider the Grant of a Premises Licence.

Background

On 24 October 2023, an application for the grant of a premises licence for Land to the South of Childerley Farm known as Childerley Orchard, Childerley, Cambridgeshire was submitted to the Licensing Authority by S&C Productions Ltd and advertised and consulted upon.

 

The proposed application seeks to carry out the following activities:

 

·       Hours Open to the Public

Monday to Sunday: 00:00 – 00:00

 

·       Supply of Alcohol

The sale by retail of alcohol for consumption on the premises.

Monday to Thursday: 12:00 – 22:30

Friday: 12:00 – 02:30

Saturday: 11:00 – 02:30

Sunday: 11:00 – 00:00

 

·       Late Night Refreshment (indoors and outdoors)

Monday to Thursday: 23:00 – 00:00

Friday to Sunday: 23:00 – 03:30

 

·       Provision of Live Music (indoors and outdoors)

Monday to Thursday: 11:00 – 23:00

Friday: 10:00 – 03:00

Saturday: 11:00 – 03:00

Sunday: 11:00 – 00:30

 

·       Provision of Recorded Music (indoors and outdoors)

Monday to Thursday: 11:00 – 23:00

Friday: 10:00 – 03:00

Saturday: 11:00 – 03:00

Sunday: 11:00 – 00:30

 

·       Provision of films (indoors and outdoors)

Monday to Thursday: 11:00 – 23:00

Friday: 10:00 – 03:00

Saturday: 11:00 – 03:00

Sunday: 11:00 – 00:30

 

·       Provision of plays (indoors and outdoors)

Monday to Thursday: 11:00 – 23:00

Friday: 10:00 – 03:00

Saturday: 11:00 – 03:00

Sunday: 11:00 – 00:30

 

·       Provision of performances of dance (indoors and outdoors)

Monday to Thursday: 11:00 – 23:00

Friday: 10:00 – 03:00

Saturday: 11:00 – 03:00

Sunday: 11:00 – 00:30

 

·       Provision of anything of a similar description to live music, recorded music or performances of a dance (indoors and outdoors)

Monday to Thursday: 11:00 – 23:00

Friday: 10:00 – 03:00

Saturday: 11:00 – 03:00

Sunday: 11:00 – 00:30

 

The premises licence was to operate for up to eight days each calendar year between 1 May and 30 September annually. Live and recorded music constituting regulated entertainment was to take place no more than 4 consecutive event days.  Where the fourth and final event day concluded after midnight, live and recorded music was to be permitted until the end time stated on the premises licence for that given day of the week.

 

Notice of the proposed event days for that year was to be provided by the Premises Licence Holder to the Licensing Authority and Responsible Authorities at least 6 months prior to the first event day or such lesser period as the Licensing Authority may deem reasonable in the circumstances.

Relevant representations

A statutory 28-day consultation period started on 25 October 2023 and ended on 22 November 2023. The application was advertised in the Cambridge News on 31 October 2023 and the site notice displayed on the premises as required.

 

Trading Standards had no objection to the application.

 

The Environmental Health Officer confirmed that complaints were received due to events held in the two years prior however, following discussions with the applicant they included some agreed conditions within their application. Environmental Health had no objection to the application.

There were no responses from other Responsible Authorities.

 

Representations were received from Caldecote Parish Council and eleven residents.

 

There were two further representations received from residents, one which was rejected as it did not relate to one or more of the four licensing objectives and another who upon being provided with a copy of the application confirmed they withdrew their representation. Dry Drayton Parish Council also lodged a representation, but after being provided with a copy of the application they confirmed that they were in support of the application.

 

The applicant drafted responses to all objectors, and these were emailed out to everyone on 5 December 2023 by the Licensing Team.

 

The applicant provided a Noise Management plan in support of their application.

Observations:

The panel heard representations from the applicant, who explained the details and key points of the application and the events that would take place, including the demographics of these events. The following was explained:

 

·       It was noted that there was already a premises licence in place at Childerley Orchard but that the new licence application had been submitted to allow for more flexibility. It was explained that the company was looking to be able to hold events such as classical music concerts during the week.

·       It was emphasised that the new licence would allow for 8 days per year only.

·       S&C Productions Ltd had been in discussion with the relevant authorities in the lead-up to submitting their application.

·       It was noted that the majority of local concerns applied to noise levels. A condition had been agreed to reduce the decibel levels to 65 db. Some of the noise conditions had been strengthened with environmental health to comply with the stricter elements of the licence, a sound management plan had been submitted as part of the application.

·       It was noted that several complaints had been received relating to noise since the last licence was granted, the majority received by the local authority.

·       The applicant explained their in-depth process for dealing with noise complaints, this included visiting the location to measure the sound level and offer a meeting to the complainant to discuss their issues. It was noted that all noise levels recorded had been within the levels allowed by the licence.

·       It was noted that capacity for the newly applied licence would be 19,999, which would be a reduction from the current licence of 24,999.

·       The applicant explained their extensive process and mitigations put in place for anti-social behaviour and traffic management. Any areas that were highlighted for parking issues had been dealt with in coordination with the local authorities.

·       It was explained that an event management plan would be submitted to the local authority for any events that were put on as part of the licence.

·       The process for dealing with alcohol, the drinking of alcohol, waste management, lighting and welfare support on site was discussed and highlighted.

Decision

Taking all the above into account the Sub-Committee decided to grant the application.

Reasons

·       The applicant had provided a very full and thorough summary of the processes they have in place to manage their events.

·       There had been few complaints since the grant of the original licence in 2021 and any complaints had been dealt with effectively.

·       There was a reduction in the decibels and capacity allowed at the events under the new licence, compared with the licence that was already held.

·       A comprehensive plan was provided for management of the various aspects of the event, such as waste, anti-social behaviour and welfare of attendees.

·       No representations highlighting any issues were received from any of the responsible authorities.

 

Any party aggrieved by the decision of the Sub-Committee had the right of appeal against the decision to the Cambridge Magistrates’ Court within 21 days of receiving notification of this decision.