(Sevenoaks Eastern)

The Hearing gave consideration to a report by the Chief Officer Environmental & Operational Services giving details of an application for a new Premises Licence under the Licensing Act 2003. The application was made by Sevenoaks IBC Ltd, Sevenoaks Indoor Bowls Centre, Hollybush Close, Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 3UX to allow licensable activities at the premises. It was noted that objections had been received and that accordingly the application had been referred to the Sub-Committee for determination.

The Hearing heard from Mr Leeke (Finance Director), Ms Pearman (Chairman of the Indoor Bowls Club) and Ms Glynis Burton (Bowls Centre Manager) on behalf of the applicant, Sevenoaks Indoor Bowls Club, as well as from a number of local residents, a District Councillor and a Parish Councillor, who were the objectors to the application.

Mr Leeke advised the Hearing that the options had been discussed with the Licensing Authority over a number of months.  The Club had also worked with Kent Police to review the hours and the application was now for the sale of alcohol up to 11pm.  The licence would enable the Club to hold additional non-bowls functions throughout the year and the majority of attendees at these functions would be former members of the Club.  Mr Leeke stressed that the Club had been holding functions for a number of years and these functions needed to continue for commercial reasons.  The sound system within the Club was regularly tested and none of the tests that had been carried out by Environmental Health had raised any concerns.  The majority of functions that were held at the Club were dinners that did not require the use of the dance floor.

In response to a question, Mr Leeke confirmed that the number of people that could be accommodated at the Club under Fire Regulations was 150.  It was also confirmed that the Club had a Child Protection policy.

Responding to questions surrounding whether it would be possible for the Club to introduce different classes of membership such as Associate Member to allow individuals to take part in social events, Mr Leeke reported that he did not think the Club was able to offer different levels of membership.

Representing a number of local residents objecting to the application, Councillor Mrs Purves stressed that there were a number of residential roads in the vicinity that would be affected if the application were to be approved.  The large numbers of people that could be leaving the club and the sale of alcohol in a residential area from 9am to 11pm could cause a public nuisance.  Residents were also disappointed that the Club had not consulted with the local Hollybush Residents Association before submitting the application.

Town Councillor Tony Clayton stressed that local people did support the Bowls Club but were disappointed that there had been no consultation with the Residents Association, neighbouring households or parents that used the playground who would all be affected by the application.  The increased volume of traffic to and from the Club could discourage parents from allowing their children to use the local park and there was concern that granting the application would set a precedent for any future users of the site.

Mr Ashwell suggested that the application that had been made did not meet Sevenoaks District Council’s policy requirements as it did not appear that suitable safeguards were in place.  There was also no indication of the number of additional users of the site or how many extra events would be held.  Mr Ashwell expressed concerns that the building was not designed to contain high noise levels and that there would be a significant increase in public nuisance.

In response to a question surrounding the concerns that had been raised in relation to child protection issues, one of the objectors clarified that there were no concerns with the existing club licence, however residents had concerns surrounding what could happen in the future as the increase in traffic could endanger children.

At 11:55 a.m. the Hearing Members withdrew to consider the issues raised accompanied by the Council’s Legal Advisor and the Clerk to the Hearing for the purpose of providing advice only.

At 12:45 p.m. the Hearing Members, Council’s Legal Advisor and the Clerk to the Hearing  returned to the Council Chamber.

The Chairman informed the Hearing that the Sub-Committee had had regard to the Licensing Objectives, to the guidance issued under section 182 of the Licensing Act 2003 and the Council’s Statement of Licensing Policy. They agreed to grant the licence subject to the inclusion of three additional conditions:

(a)              A sign will be placed in a visible location reminding any patrons leaving the premises that they need to respect neighbours and leave quietly.

(b)              A telephone number will be made available for local residents to contact the premises during opening hours.

(c)               The premises will maintain a child protection policy that will be publically displayed.

The following informatives were added to the Licence as follows:

(a)       The Environmental Health Team should be sensitive to any concerns raised by local residents.

(b)       It is recommended that the Premises Supervisor have regular liaison meetings with the Residents’ Association.

The conditions were imposed with particular regard to the licensing objective of the prevention of public nuisance.

It was therefore unanimously,

Resolved: That a Premises Licence in respect of Sevenoaks Indoor Bowls Centre, Hollybush Close, Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 3UX subject to the conditions contained in the licence attached as an appendix to these minutes and with the informatives so stated be granted