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 Cllr Pip Ridout as Chairman for this meeting only.

The Chairman explained the procedure to be followed at the hearing, as contained within the “Wiltshire Licensing Committee Procedural Rules for the Hearing of Licensing Act 2003 Applications” (Pages 5 – 12 of the agenda refers).

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

To determine an application for a Premises Licence in respect of 24 hour festival, Grange Farm, Bratton Road, West Ashton, Trowbridge, Wiltshire, BA14 6AX.

Application by Ryan Allcott and Jack Clink for a Premises Licence at Grange Farm, West Ashton, Trowbridge.

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 applicant, and those who had made a relevant representation were given the opportunity to address the Sub Committee.

Key points raised by the applicants, Ryan Allcott and Jack Clink, and on behalf of the applicants by Frank Fender, FJF Licensing Solutions, were:

·       The location has held other events in the past, at least one of which obtained a premises license.

·       Although the event itself has been marketed as a ’24 hour festival’, the licensing activities in this application were not for the full 24 hours and did not commence until 1pm.

·       It was highlighted that the applicants had submitted an event management plan, a stewarding plan and a noise management plan; they had also met with an Environment Officer to ensure the noise created by the event was minimised and there would be a direct telephone line throughout the event for local people to raise noise and other concerns.

·       The intent of the applicants was to work with local people, including West Ashton Parish Council. It was also explained that the applicants had intended to contact the Parish Council at the earliest stage of festival planning but that there had been communication difficulties.

·       The applicants were willing to attend an Event Safety Advisory Group (ESAG) and to follow ensuing advice. Aim to have smooth running event. Do not wish to inconvenience local people.

·       No Responsible Authority had made a relevant representation and the Event Safety Advisory Group (ESAG) recently requested by the Police was welcomed by the applicants.

Key points raised by those who made a relevant representation, Richard Covington and Nicola Duke, West Ashton Parish Council, were:

·       A lack of clarity regarding the number of attendees and the hours of the event.

·       Potential traffic issues at the entrance to the site. It was confirmed that the event would use appropriate signage, warning road users to drive slowly as well as stewards monitoring the entrance. In addition, Highways issues were expected to be raised at the Event Safety Advisory Group.

·       The Parish Council would have liked the opportunity to give feedback on the site management plan.

·       The level of noise generated by previous events on the site and concerns about recurring events. 

·       The length of time requested for a license to sell alcohol.

·       Contingency plan if people arrive at festival if it’s sold out.

·       The predicted number of attendees which was twice as many as previous events on the site.

·       The number of vehicles potentially entering the village during the event and the speed of traffic surrounding the site entrance. The Chairman permitted the applicants to answer on this point and it was explained that there was a contingency plan for the arrival of vehicles that would allow exit  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.