Agenda and minutes

Councillor Nicholas Bennett was appointed as Chairman for the meeting.

None.

The Application

The application was for a new premises licence for the provision of live and recorded music from 13.00 to 23.00 hours every day and the supply of alcohol on the premises from 12.00 to 23.00 hours every day. The application stated that that both amplified, unamplified live and recorded music will be played in the 18m x 6m marquee only.

Case for the Applicant

The owner of the club advised that the cricket club was started in 2005 on a playing field at Colfe school. In 2013 his family acquired the cricket ground in West Common Road. The club relied on voluntary support and sponsorship. There was a constant need to raise money, hence the decision to acquire the marquee. The club has a 1^st X1 and 2^nd X1 playing in the Kent Cricket League. It also had a junior cricket section and was trying to encourage youngsters into cricket. The cricket club also had Sunday football at the ground. If a premises licence was granted, the intention would be that the marquee would be let primarily for Members of the club.  The aim would be not to take bookings for stag or hen parties or for 18/21 birthday parties. Example of the types of functions to be held under the licence would be children’s birthday parties, anniversary parties etc. If a licence was refused the impact on the Club’s finances would be severe and the club may have to sell the ground.

In response to a question as to why the Club Premises Certificate was not sufficient, the Sub-Committee was advised that the applicant wanted to take bookings from the general public. The owner advised that it was difficult to comply with the advance notice requirements for temporary event notices given the cricket club is more a hobby than a business. The applicant was prepared to consider a noise limiter and also using material that might reflect sound back into the marquee. The club was also prepared to accept a limit on the number of events with the indication that 8 events would be the minimum. The maximum capacity of the marquee was between 100-120.

The applicant was surprised by the volume of objections generated by the application. The owner accepted that mistakes had been made. The club was prepared to work with the Council in the future to ensure the events were properly organised. On one occasion the club itself turned off the music when an event organiser failed to respond to a request to turn the music down. The advertising complained of by residents had been discontinued and was not an indicator of the future intentions of the club.

Case for the Objectors

The Council’s public health nuisance team advised that a number of events had been held over the Summer 2023 giving rise to complaints regarding loud music coming from events being held in the Marquee. On 6^th September 2023, a Noise Abatement Notice was served by the Council. The team  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3.

The Application

The application as originally submitted sought a premises licence for the provision of live and recorded music, films and dance on Sunday and Monday from 12.00 to 22.00, Friday and Saturday from 12.00 to 22.30 and the supply of alcohol on Sunday and Monday from 12.00 hours until 21.30 hours and Friday and Saturday 12.00 to 22.00. The maximum capacity was stated as 9,999. While it was the intention to hold the event on the terraces, an alternative site was identified in case there were any restoration works taking place on the terraces at the time of the event.

The Applicant confirmed that a licence was required for 12 months and that the maximum capacity was to be 4,999. As a result of the amendment to the duration of the licence, it was also confirmed on behalf of the applicant that a secondary site would not be needed and that the event would take place on the terraces.

Case for the Applicant

The Applicant’s solicitor stated that his client was highly experienced and had a significant history in the delivery of comparable events. The aim was to provide a “polygon” or spatial audio event with 3D sound directed at an audiophile audience. The applicant had engaged with the ward councillors. A comprehensive set of conditions had been agreed with the police. A copy of the conditions was included with the applicant’s outline submissions. This provided for three event days during 2024. An Event Safety Management Plan (ESMP) would be developed in discussion with the Safety Advisory Group, which would include as a minimum the Council, the Police and the Crystal Palace Park Trust. The matters to be included in the ESMP would be defined by condition. A suitable Security and Stewarding company would be appointed to ensure public safety and to prevent crime and disorder. An event and site-specific Risk Assessment and Fire Risk Assessment would be carried out. A Traffic and Transport plan would also be developed.

Representations and the Case for the Objectors

The Council had received 14 written objections which raised issues concerning noise pollution, traffic and parking, safety, environmental impact and access. A particular concern related to the possible use of the secondary area which had now been withdrawn from the application. One of the objectors attended and spoke to the hearing but withdrew his objection after hearing the secondary area was not in the application.

Reasons for decision

The committee considered the amended application, the written and oral representations, the Council’s Statement of Licensing Policy and statutory guidance. The committee felt that a new premises licence could be granted for the Polygon event without harm to the licensing objectives including the prevention of public nuisance. A detailed list of conditions had been prepared which are exhibited as an Appendix to this decision. These conditions would ensure that the necessary plans and risk assessments would be prepared for the event. Many of the objections related to the secondary site, but this was no longer  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.