Agenda and minutes

Councillor Botten was elected Chair of the meeting.

The Sub-Committee considered an application from Vino V Ltd for a premises licence in respect of Walsall House. The applicant (represented at the hearing by Andrew Dawson) wished to covert this former coffee shop into a delicatessen. The purpose of the required licence was to enable the sale of alcohol for consumption on the premises, which included a rear garden area with boundaries adjacent to the gardens of residential properties.

The original application sought the sale of alcohol between the hours of:

10:00 – 21:00 Monday to Thursday

10:00 – 23:00 Fridays and Saturdays

10:00 – 20:00 Sundays

Following representations from Lingfield Parish Council and neighbouring residents, the applicant had agreed to curtail the opening hours to 20:00 each day. Two individuals then withdrew their objections, although seven remained, i.e., one from Lingfield Parish Council and six from local residents.

Ian Garrod presented his report.

Andrew Dawson presented his case for the application, as amended, and responded to questions from Councillor Lockwood, Martin & Claudette Edwards and the Sub-Committee. He explained that the proposed business would constitute Class E planning use (as currently permitted) and expressed disappointment that the Parish Council and certain residents had not responded to his offers of engagement regarding the intentions of the licence application. Aneurin Hughes confirmed that objections remained in force, regardless of whether offers of mediation were taken up. A discussion took place regarding the ability of the police to respond swiftly to any disorder at the premises, although the Chair reminded attendees that the application had not prompted any police representations. Andrew Dawson believed the application would not contravene any of the four licensing objectives. He reflected on the concessions he was willing to make and his willingness to engage positively with affected residents.

Councillor Lockwood presented the Parish Council’s objections and responded to questions from Andrew Dawson and the Sub-Committee. She considered that the wellbeing of residents was paramount and that use of the outside space should, at least, be restricted due to the close proximity of residential gardens. 

Martin & Claudette Edwards presented their objections and responded to questions from Andrew Dawson and the Sub-Committee. They had only recently moved into their property and described how the licence, if granted, would have a major adverse impact on the family’s enjoyment of their garden. They acknowledged the positive intentions behind the offer to reduce opening times (to 20:00) but stated this would make no difference to their objections given the young ages of their children. They meant no disrespect to Andrew Dawson but were unwilling to compromise on the prospect of any part of their garden adjoining licenced premises, which was why they had declined to engage prior to the hearing. Andrew Dawson said it would not be financially viable for the business to lose 80% of its garden space and he would only take out a lease if the licence was granted. 

Andrew Dawson, Councillor Lockwood and Martin & Claudette Edwards then gave their closing statements.

The hearing closed at 6.50 pm, upon  ...  view the full minutes text for item 2.