Agenda, decisions and minutes

To elect a Chairman for the meeting of the Sub Committee.

Nominations for a Chairman of the Licensing Sub-Committee were sought and it was

Resolved:

To elect Councillor Desna Allen as Chairman for this meeting only.

To receive any declarations of disclosable interests or dispensations granted by the Standards Committee.

To consider and determine an Application for a Premises Licence by Simon and Sue Wilsher in respect of Waterhouse, 5 Waterhouse Lane, Monkton Combe, Bath.

Application by Simon and Sue Wilsher for a Premises Licence in respect of Waterhouse, 5 Waterhouse Lane, Monkton Combe, Bath

The Licensing Officer introduced the purpose and scope of the application, the premises to which it related and the key issues for consideration.

In accordance with the procedure detailed in the agenda, the Applicants and their representatives and those who had made a Relevant Representation were given the opportunity to address the Sub Committee.

Key points raised by Simon Wilsher, (Applicant) were:

·               That they had bought the Grade II Listed Waterhouse in 2009 and began restoration works in June 2010;

·               There were 5 parts to their business – providing a venue for team building/strategy meetings, letting out office space to other businesses, a bed and breakfast business, providing a venue for meetings/conferences and the provision of food and beverages;

·               They believe they have a value to the community having created 15 jobs;

·               Their guests that attend conferences/stay overnight in the accommodation have given positive feedback on internet rating sites, but refer to the fact that they are unable to purchase alcohol or eat at Waterhouse.  The applicants would wish to be able to sell alcohol and food to their guests/residents so that they do not have to travel off site for this service;

·               That the application was for the supply of alcohol every day until 23.59 hours.  An offer was made to pull the timings back to non residential guests to 23:00 hours and extend to 01:00 for residents.  (After Legal advice it was clarified that the application for the sale of alcohol was for 23:59 and could not be extended to 01:00 at this hearing).  The applicant then amended the offer so that alcohol could be supplied to guests until 23:00 and residents until 23:59;

·               That noise from the local school, agricultural use, RAF, and children and families could be heard at Waterhouse and this is accepted and in turn some noise coming from Waterhouse should be accepted by local residents;

·               Access to Waterhouse via the narrow lane was not ideal but they had spent money on trying to improve in and increase the number of passing points;

·               If the alcohol licence were to be granted it was felt that there would be less traffic using the lane as residents/guests would not need to leave the premises for food and drinks; and

·               The applicants were looking to support their neighbours and run a successful business which would benefit the community.

Key points raised by Katie Watson (General Manager of Waterhouse) on behalf of the Applicant were:

·               That with the ability to provide food and alcohol to their guests/residents they would be adding to the guest experience who have present have to leave the premises for this service; and

·               They are focused on community engagement and although she had not yet met all of the local neighbours they would be proposing quarterly meetings with them to open their facilities out to them and iron out any concerns.

The following questions  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.