Also present:     Mrs D Shirtclliff                - Applicant

                            Mr B Wiltshire                   - Applicant

                            Mrs L Pitcairn-Knoles     - Applicant

                            Mrs T Pound                     - Applicant

                            Mrs A King                        - Applicant

                            Mr P Baignet                     - Objector (resident)

                            Mr & Mrs Newman           - Objector (resident)

                            Mrs R Ware                       - Objector (resident)

                            Mr A Russ                         - Objector (resident)

                            Mrs M Fry                          - Objector (resident)

                            Mr C Hathway                  - Objector (resident)

                            Mrs M Holman                  - Objector (resident)

                            Mrs C Perry                       - Assistant Licensing Partnership Manager

                            Mr C Ormondroyd            - Legal Advisor

                            Mrs C Beaumont              - Democratic Services Office

Resolved:      That Cllr. Davison be appointed Chairman of the meeting.

There were no declarations of interest in respect of any matter discussed or voted on at the meeting.

The Hearing gave consideration to a report by the Community and Planning Services Director giving details of an application under the Licensing Act 2003 from Amherst School Parents Teacher Association, Witches Lane, Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 2AX. 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 the applicants who explained that the application had been motivated by wishing to employ a circus to replace the current summer party which took place annually. The Parents Teacher Association (PTA) intended to use the licence for a number of indoor events and no more than two outdoor events each year. They apologised for any upset that the application had caused to local residents and stated that there was no intention to increase the number of events carried out by the PTA.

The Hearing heard from the objectors who raised the concerns of residents, in particular the suitability of the school for social events and potential noise nuisance to neighbours. They were also concerned regarding the number of people using cars to attend the events and the potential noise nuisance this would cause. They questioned whether the PTA needed a permanent licence and suggested that they could apply for Temporary Event Notices as required. The objectors were concerned regarding the ‘all encompassing’ nature of the licence and asked that the Sub-Committee look at their concerns sympathetically.

At  3.20 p.m. the Hearing Members withdrew to consider the issues raised.

At  4.10 p.m. the Hearing Members returned to the Council Chamber.

It was unanimously

Resolved:      That, subject to the conditions contained in the licence attached as an appendix to these minutes, a premises licence for Amherst School Parents Teacher Association, Witches Lane, Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 2AX be granted.