Agenda item

The Application

The  application was for a two-day licence from 12.00hrs to 22.00 hrs on Saturday 2^nd September 2023 and 12.00hrs to 21.00hrs on Sunday 3^rd September 2023. Permission was sought for live music, recorded music, performance of dance and the supply of alcohol. An event plan submitted with the application described the festival as a ‘safe and secure live music festival with well-known Soul and Motown Artists from the 1970’s’. There would be a maximum of 9,500 ticket holders on each day, in addition to artists, stall holders and event staff. The event was aimed at adults aged 25-30, but there would be a small allocation on the Saturday for 21-25’s.

The event was planned to take place in a fenced area with gates managed by security staff and stewards. A residents’ meeting was held on 7^th February and as a result it had been agreed to situate parking marshals on nearby roads and rubbish teams to clear rubbish. There would be a bar, food sellers and Soul/Motown memorabilia stalls available--plus rides. Dispersal exits were planned, two in Croydon Road, one by the exit to the back of Sainsburys and one in village way.

(i) The Case for the Applicant:

The applicant, Ms L Bateman attended with Mr Joe Courtney and Councillor Harris. She advised the Sub-Committee that she had managed similar events. The average expected age of those attending was 35 on Saturday and 40 on Sunday. Children would be allowed with one adult accompanying a single child. Ms Bateman confirmed that she would accept a condition requiring an application to be made to the Council for a traffic management order to help deal with anti-social parking in nearby roads. A complaint hot-line would be set up and a further residents’ meeting held. Discussions were being held with Bromley Town Football Club as to whether they could provide parking spaces for a Park and Ride scheme. Councillor Harris emphasised the family focused nature of the event.

(ii) The Case for the Objectors:

Written and oral submissions were made by neighbours. Concerns were raised that the park was too small for the event, that the music was excessively loud and two days was too long. It was mentioned that it was difficult to see any improvements being made to the park as a result of the revenue being generated from the event. There was also concern about poor behaviour from patrons including excessive drinking, drug use and human waste being left in nearby gardens.

Reasons for the 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 two day event only. The numbers attending the event would be controlled by the Licence and there had been no objections from the responsible authorities. A condition could be imposed to require an application to be made for a traffic management order in nearby roads to assist in dealing with irresponsible parking. The connections by public transport were good and patrons could be encouraged by publicity to travel to the event by these methods. Conditions could also be imposed to require the provision of a hygienic cleaning response team.

Decision

That the application for a premises licence for Soul Town Festival 2023, Croydon Road Recreation Ground, BR3 3PR from 12.00hrs to 22.00 hrs on Saturday 2nd September 2023 and 12.00hrs to 21hrs on Sunday 3rd September 2023 be permitted, subject to the conditions recommended by the police in Appendix 3 to the Committee Agenda and to the following conditions:

1. An application being made to the Council for a traffic management order for measures to be considered in the following streets, namely Westfield Road, Cedars Road, Durban Road, Belmont Road, Gowland Place, Whitmore Road, Bramerton Road, Croydon Road from the A234 to Bramerton Road, Hayne Road from A234 to Cedars Road and Village Way.

2. All publicity for the event shouls include details of public transport to the event by train, bus and tram.

3. Designated pick up and drop off points shall be provided for those that arrive and depart by taxi

4. A rapid response hygienic cleaning team shall be provided to deal with complaints from the above surrounding roads.