Agenda item

The Application

The Application was to licence a one day festival to be presented to the public on 5^th September 2020. It was envisioned that the build would commence on 31^st August 2020, with work taking place to construct the stage, erect the bars and locate temporary toilet facilities. An event operational plan submitted with the application described the event as aimed at adults aged 30 to 60, and no children’s activities were planned. The event was scheduled to take place inside a fenced area with gates manned by security staff and stewards. The capacity of the event was stated to be limited to 8500, including audience members, artists, stall holders and event staff.

A Noise Control Consultant would be appointed, and a sound restrictor installed to prevent sound equipment going over the recommended levels. Following discussion, the applicant amended the finish time for the supply of alcohol in section 15 of the application form, from 22.30 hours to 21.30 hours. To address the issue that the music at the event in 2019 overran by 15 minutes, the aim for 5 Sept 2020 would be for the headline act to finish about 21.30 hours with a DJ thereafter until the finish time for music of 22.00 hours. This would provide a buffer if the artists overran. Patrons would leave the event by 22.30 hours. In response to the concerns expressed by Councillor Harris, the organiser was prepared to increase the geographic circulation of a notification letter to be sent to local residents before the event. It was also agreed to improve the content of the letter with clear information regarding contact telephone numbers to report excessive noise or nuisance.

The case for the applicant:

The applicant, (Ms Lucy Bateman) and the promoter (Mr Joe Courtney) attended the meeting. Ms Bateman advised that she had experience in running similar events over the last two years. With reference to how the audience could visit the event (80% of which were expected to live locally), patrons would be encouraged to use public transport and two double decker buses would be provided to transport them from Beckenham Junction and Clockhouse railway and tram stations. Adequate security and toilet provision for the event would be provided in line with the “Purple Book”.

There had been no reports of drug use at the event in 2019. A zero tolerance approach would nevertheless be adopted and the security team would conduct sweeps throughout the event. There would be designated smoking areas. A new sound team would be employed in 2020, following IdeVerde’s recommendation. Polycarbonate glasses would be used for the bars and patrons would not be allowed to bring glasses or bottles to the event.

The case for the objectors:

Following the submission of the event operational plan, the Council’s Public Health Nuisance Team and the Health and Safety Inspector had withdrawn their objections. The local ward councillor, Councillor Christine Harris attended the meeting to present her concerns. She had received a number of calls throughout the day of the 2019 event as to the impact of noise. As a result, she attended the event with the sound engineer and believed that the noise levels at times exceeded the levels set by the Council. She felt that local residents had not been given clear enough information as to a telephone number to call to register a complaint.

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, provided appropriate safeguarding measures were taken to deal with noise, 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.  The event management plan to be approved by the Council would safeguard public safety and address any concerns in relation to crime and disorder, public nuisance and for the protection of children.

Decision

That the application for the premises licence for the Soul Town 2020 Festival at Croydon Road Recreation Ground, BR3 3PR on 5^th September 2020, be permitted subject to the following conditions:

1. The capacity of the event is limited to 8500 persons including audience members, artists, stall holders and event staff

2. The supply of alcohol shall only take place between12.00 hours and 21.30 hours

3. The music at the event will conclude at 22.00 hours and the event will be managed to enable all patrons to disperse from the site by 22.30 hours.

4. A full event management plan should be submitted and agreed with the Safety Advisory Group for the Council before the event takes place. The plan would clarify the procedures for recording any complaints concerning noise, or refusals to supply alcohol. The plan would also specify how a buffer would be provided in the scheduling of the artists, to enable the music to conclude at 22.00 hours, should for unforeseen reasons, the headline act overrun.

5. Prior to the event, a notification letter would be distributed by the event organiser to households in the following streets: Croydon Road, Whitmore Road, Village Way Belmont Road, Cedars Road, Gowland Place, Yewtree Road, Acacia Road, Priory Close, Westbury Road, Shrewsbury Road. The precise distribution and terms of the notification letter shall be agreed with the Council’s Licensing Manager in advance and would include a telephone number for those monitoring the sound levels at the event and the Council’s ‘noise phone line’.