Agenda item

The Health Protection Manager presented the report which sought the Sub-Committee’s decision in respect of an application for a new premises licence for Bluefield Barns, Bluefield Farm, Nassington Road, Apethorpe.

An application for a new premises licence had been received on 19 July 2021 and the appropriate notice was displayed and advertisement was placed as required.  One representation had been received during the consultation from Apethorpe Village Meeting who were concerned with public nuisance caused by music and traffic.

The Chair invited Mr Frank Fender, agent for the applicants, to address the Sub-Committee.  Mr Fender stated that the applicants were a specialist wedding company who already had two other venues.  The venue was in a remote location with the nearest residence to the venue just over 800 meters away and the nearest village, Apethorpe, was 1.3km from the venue.  In response to the Village Meeting’s comments made in their representation, Mr Fender stated that the inclusion of sound proofing measures was a requirement of the planning permission and other measures would also be included.  The increase in traffic on public roads was not a licensing matter as anyone could use the surrounding roads within the law.  The Village Meeting had put forward a suggestion that timings of 1100 to 2300 would be acceptable but it was the applicant’s view that this would make no difference to the perceived problems.  The suggested restriction on the number of events held at the venue would be unreasonable to the applicants, who needed the flexibility to run the venue.  Mr Fender advised that he had contacted the Clerk to the Village Meeting, however no compromise could be found.  Mr Ben Jones, the proposed DPS, explained how an event would be managed from the original booking of the venue to the actual day.

In response to questions, it was confirmed that the venue would be predominantly used for weddings but may be used for other events.  Mr Jones also confirmed that there had not been any complaints made about their other venues.  The venue planned to have a travel plan in place which would provide details of local taxi companies and advise on the best routes to access the venue.  There would be an office on-site, with a readily available number during events if any local people had any issues.  The owner of the venue confirmed that there was a covenanted right of way over the access which was required to be significantly improved as a part of the planning permission.

The Chair invited Mr Robert Taylor and Mrs Jo Williams, Apethorpe Village Meeting, to address the Sub-Committee.  Mr Taylor stated that Apethorpe was a small, tranquil village.  The local village pub did have licensed hours to midnight, but this was mainly as a restaurant.  It was the view of the Village Meeting that the possible late-night traffic would be a public nuisance and there was concern for public safety on the surrounding roads.  If the licence was granted, they would like to work with the applicants on the proposed travel plan.

In response to questions, Mr Taylor confirmed that the village would be happy to talk and work with the applicants to try address any concerns that they had, particularly with the travel plan and mitigation for noise.

The Chair welcomed that both parties were happy to work together going forward.

At the invitation of the Chair, all parties were invited to make a short final statement.  Mr Fender clarified that the applicants were a highly respected wedding company.  Their proposed activities were reasonable and would promote the licensing objectives.  No representations from other statutory bodies had been received and he would recommend the Sub-Committee to grant the licence as applied for.

The meeting adjourned at 10.55am and reconvened at 11.15am.

RESOLVED:

The Licensing Sub-Committee has considered this application for a new Premises Licence for Bluefield Barns, Bluefield Farm, Nassington Road, Apethorpe. 

After careful deliberation and consideration of the Health Protection Manager’s report, all representations, Section 182 Guidance, the Licensing Objectives, Licensing Act 2003 and the Council’s Licensing Policy, the Sub-Committee has reached a decision.  

The Sub-Committee has decided, unanimously, to grant the Licence as requested.  In doing so the Applicant has satisfied the Sub-Committee that there is sufficient mitigation in place to promote the Licensing Objectives.

The Decision Notice will be sent out in writing.  If aggrieved with the Sub-Committee’s decision, the Applicant and any Party that has made representation has the Right to Appeal to the Magistrates Court within 21 days of receiving the Decision Notification letter. 

The Chair would like to reassure members of the public that all licensed premises are monitored by the Council’s Licensing Department.  It is hoped that the Parties can work together in the future on this venue.