Resolved: That Cllr. Pett be appointed as Chairman of the sub-Committee

(Councillor Pett in the Chair)

There were none.

The Chairman welcomed everyone to the meeting and introduced those present.

The hearing gave consideration to the report by the Senior Licensing Officer, giving details of an application for a time limited premises license by Hang Out Festivals LTD for the premises at Little Elses, Morley’s road, Weald. The application had received 5 representations in objection to the application. She advised that the objector at Appendix E in the agenda had withdrawn their representation and should not be considered as part of the decision-making process of the Hearing. It was noted that the application had been made at a similar time to a permanent premises license application for the same property. However only comments in relation to the time-limited application were to be considered as part of the Hearing.

The Applicant’s Representative gave an introduction to their application. The Applicant’s Representative noted concerns over traffic and parking and laid out measures of mitigation. The Applicant’s Representative explained that professional traffic controllers were being hired and the site would allow over 700 cars into the premises. The event would also employ private security to prevent security breaches and a sound team to monitor sound pollution to the local area. A 9pm finish would ensure attendees would be leaving the event at a reasonable time. The event was also branded as a Community festival which would raise money for local artists and various businesses.

In the absence of the objectors, the Sub-Committee put their concerns to the Applicant’s Representative.

Members raised concerns as to parking arrangements. In response it was confirmed that Event attendees were expected at under 1000 and parking would be adequate to accommodate the numbers. Many attendees may travel by taxi or be local. Attendees would not be permitted to bring alcohol into the event or to take away from it.

It was noted that distance to accident and emergency facilities in the draft event plan may be inaccurate and the Applicant’s Representative confirmed this would be corrected. The event area would also be monitored by volunteers to ensure individuals could not gain illegitimate entry to the event.

Members discussed the objections to noise pollution. The Applicant’s Representative confirmed that sound technicians would be present and music would be stopped every 40 minutes to ensure regular breaks to the sound at the event.Since the original application, the Applicant’s Representative had also decided to remove the £5 parking charge at the event to reduce the likelihood of attendees parking off-site.

Members noted objections that the granting of the license may set a precedent for larger events in the area. The Applicant’s Representative confirmed that organisers were planning annual one-time events which would grow organically.

Environmental concerns were discussed by the Committee and the Applicant’s Representative confirmed that special tracks were being put down to prevent damage due to heavy rain and footfall. Litter would also be dealt with by the security teams and volunteers.

The meeting was adjourned at 10:57 and the Hearing Members withdrew to consider the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9.