Agenda item

Present: Applicant & Applicants Legal representatives

The Chairman, Members of the Panel and Officers introduced themselves.

The LA-CM outlined the purpose of the hearing and explained the procedure for the meeting.

The SPPO introduced the Officers report, outlining that the Applicant sought to i) vary the layout of the premises in accordance with plans (drawing no 100 revision B), ii) add a condition to the premises licence regarding CCTV, iii) amend the opening hours for existing non-standard timings to provide 30 minutes drinking up time and iv) permit the provision of late night refreshment.

The SPPO stressed that any variation would be subject to mandatory conditions, and would need to accord with the promotion of the four licensing objectives.

It was noted that a consultation had been undertaken with representations included on page 14 of the report, and whilst there had been 22 initial complaints, following contact from the Applicants solicitors via NNDC on 9^th May, 11 complaints had been withdrawn. The SPPO advised that all objections had been received before suggested amendments had been put forward. The two representations made by the responsible authorities (the Parish Council and the Broads Authority) had been withdrawn in the course of proceedings.

The SPPO provided a summary of the eleven objector’s concerns which centred on concerns of parking arrangements, crime and disorder, the potential for more stag or hen parties, the need for additional cctv, light pollution, boater’s safety, noise disturbance and protecting children from harm.

The SPPO highlighted Appendix D, page 99 of the report, and provided context to the application site and its surrounding area.

The Applicant presented their case and detailed the history of the site, with its strong links to the river, outlined their operating schedule and confirmed the provisions they will have in place to promote the four licensing objectives.

The Applicant’s legal representative outlined that following consultation with local objectors and the relevant responsible authorities, they were minded to withdraw two out of the four proposed variations, namely the variations to i) permit the provision of Late Night Refreshment (indoors & outdoors) Mondays to Sundays 23:00 to 00:30 hours the following morning and ii) to amend the opening hours for existing non-standard timings to provide 30 minutes drinking up time. The Applicant’s representatives stressed that the purpose of the variation application was to improve the efficiency of the public house and to further aid the patron’s experience of public house.

There were no oral representations made from the Other Persons. However, the Panel noted all 11 written representations.

The Sub-Committee asked about the parking provision on site. The Applicant advised that parking was available for up to 16 spaces and staff were encouraged to park off site. Further, the business organised shift patterns to promote car sharing of its staff to minimise the number of staff vehicles.

The Chairman clarified if the Applicant was satisfied with the amendments put forward, noting that a change in operational hours may have financial implications. The Applicant affirmed that they were happy with the proposed changes.

The Chairman noted noise complaints references disturbances during the viewing of football and rugby matches and invited the Applicant to comment. The Applicant advised that these disturbances occurred the year prior and under the previous tenant. The disturbances arose due to the use of an external TV showing matches. Since, the Applicant had removed TV’s from the pub and indicated that he had no intention to replace wither internally or externally on the premises commenting that the location was not suitably placed for this form of entertainment.

Cllr H Blathwayt asked the Applicant about the takeaway Fish and Chip facility. The Applicant advised that they did not consider this would have a negative impact on the business, rather it offered more choice to guests and residents. He advised that he had a good relationship with other businesses in the area and kept copies of other takeaway menus behind the bar.

Cllr E Spagnola asked if the establishment would accept hen or stag nights. The Applicant advised that this was not always something they could control as such groups may choose to hire a day boat on the broads.

In response to questions from the Sub-Committee the Applicant advised work undertaken on the site would be undertaken by vetted local tradespeople.

Cllr H Blathwayt asked if the Applicant had in place a Good Neighbour Policy. The Applicant assured the Sub-Committee that this was in place.

The LA- CM re-iterated their advice, and advised the applicant that a written notification would be supplied to them within 5 working days.

RESOLVED

That the Application be GRANTED subject to conditions.

The Meeting was suspended at 11.23am and resumed at 1.15pm