Agenda and minutes

To elect a Chair for the ensuing meeting.

Councillor Tyson was elected Chair for the ensuing meeting.

Councillors/Staff to give notice of any disclosable pecuniary interest, other registrable interest or any other interest and the nature of that interest relating to any item on the agenda in accordance with the adopted Code of Conduct.

None declared

To answer questions from members of the public – submitted in writing or by electronic mail no later than 5.00pm, 2 working days before the meeting.

None received

The Licensing and Compliance Officer submitted a report to consider representations received in relation to an application for a premises licence.

The premises licence application was for Premier Inn, High Hill, Keswick.

The applicant is Whitbread Group Plc

2 representations were received in respect of the application.

Members were then advised of the options available and that they were to decide in line with the licensing objectives.

The Applicant’s agent (Mr Shield) made representations, explaining the background to the application then responded to concerns raised in the representations.

The application is for a 71 Bedroom Premier Inn Hotel, with Restaurant and Bar Facilities, the application also full planning permission.

The License application is for the sale of alcohol to non-residents 10am – 12:30am and for the sale of alcohol to residents 24 hours a day. The Licence is also for late night refreshment after 11pm and to show movies in the bedrooms.

Mr Shield referenced the document pack that members were provided, outlining plans, example food/drink menu, artist impressions and indicative layouts.

Mr Shield then commented on the representations and that the only statutory representation came from Environmental Health and a condition had been agreed.

From the residents objections, the agent advised that drinking alcohol to excess was not part of the business model but that stringent policies and procedures were in place. The agent also commented that the premises being close to a river and school should not be an issue, commenting that the school is 500m away. The need for a new hotel should not be considered as this is not part of the licensing regime and the fact that no DPS was in place was not a material consideration.

Members then asked questions of the agent in relation to residential amenity, disruption, off licence sales, parking and noise.

In response to the concerns the agent and the applicants representative (Mr Murray) explained that the premises and layout are designed to prevent nuisance and disturbance, the venue will not play loud music and all staff will have sufficient training. The hotels aim is to provide guests with the best night sleep and hotel environment, this cannot be achieved it they allow disturbance, nuisance and noise.

The panel then heard representations from objectors.

The first objector (G.Oliver) expressed concerns over the type of licence the premises was applying for, stating that a residential licence with clauses would be suitable. He then cited comparisons with local pubs stating that they close earlier than the premier inn which could encourage patrons to frequent the premier inn afterwards, which could cause disruption to local residents.

The objector then asked questions of the agent in relation to the access to the hotel/bar, the sale of alcohol to non-residents and the condition requested by Environmental Health.

Members asked further questions of the agent in relation to security, nuisance and amenity.

In response to concerns the agent and representative reiterated that the premises will be primarily a hotel with a restaurant, not a  ...  view the full minutes text for item 269.