Issue - meetings

Licensing Sub-Committee 20^th March 2019

Councillors Pauline Tunnicliffe (Chairman), Gareth Allatt and Mary Cook

Premises Licence Application for Summer Love Festival, Elmstead Lane Chislehurst

The application:

The application was to licence a one day festival to be presented to the public on Sunday, 26^th May 2019. The build would begin on Tuesday 21^st May 2019, with work taking place to construct the stage, erect the bars and construct children’s areas. No overnight work would be permitted. An event plan submitted with the application event described it as a family festival and music would be chosen to attract that audience.  Children would only be able to gain access, however, with an adult who would present valid ID at the gate. The capacity of the event was stated to be limited to 3000 audience members. A Noise Control consultant would be appointed and a sound restrictor implemented to prevent sound equipment going over recommended levels.

(i) The case for the applicant:

The applicant, Ms K Hanlon attended the Sub-Committee meeting. She advised she had experience in running similar events. With reference to how the audience could visit the event, there would be in place a traffic management plan with restrictions on parking nearby. Some parking would be available on site but would be pre-booked only. Patrons would be encouraged to use public transport and Elmstead Woods and Grove Park railway stations were local. To minimise any possible nuisance, the lighting would be focused internally and it would be turned down within one hour after the event had finished with the aim of achieving the full dispersal of the audience. Adequate security for the event would be provided. The police would not have a presence at the event but could be contacted. In response to questions raised at the hearing, damaged fencing surrounding the site would be repaired before the event.

(ii) The case for the objectors:

Written and oral submissions were made by neighbours. Concerns were raised about possible nuisance resulting from the position of the stage and proximity to nearby housing, the impact of noise both from the music and generators and of the 10pm finish time on a Sunday. The experience resulting from previous events held at the site was mentioned, as was the condition of the perimeter fence.

Reasons for decision

Members considered the amended application, the written and oral representations, the Council’s Statement of Licensing Policy and statutory guidance. Members concluded that the event would not result in a level of nuisance that would justify refusal of the application, particularly given that it would be a one day event. The numbers attending the event could be controlled by the Licence.  A condition could be imposed to prevent derigging on the following Bank Holiday Monday, to safeguard resident’s amenities and a condition requiring the lighting after the event to be turned down at 11pm would help ensure prompt dispersal from the event.

With reference to the objective to secure the protection of children from harm, Members  ...  view the full minutes text for item 16