To receive additional items that the Chair is of the opinion should be considered as a matter of urgency, in accordance with Section 100B (4) (b) of the Local Government Act 1972.

There were no items of Urgent Business.

There were no declarations of interest.

The Licensing Officer addressed Members of the Sub-Committee explaining that the applicant had bought a new vehicle and therefore was not required to be presented to the Sub-Committee.

RESOLVED:

That the Sub-Committee noted the withdrawal of the application.  

The Chair asked all parties if they had any requests, and it was noted that there were no requests.

The Licensing Officer introduced the report to Members of the Sub-Committee informing them, the report was for the new application for a private hire vehicle licence.

Members and the applicant were provided the chance to ask questions of the Licensing Officer.

The applicant was then provided with the opportunity to present his case.

Members and the Licensing Officer were given an opportunity to ask questions to the applicant.

The Sub-Committee, applicant, Licensing Officers and Clerk then left the Chamber to look at the vehicle at 7.28pm and returned at 7.39pm.

The Chair enquired if there were any further questions for applicant, before moving on to closing summaries.

The Licensing Officer provided a short summary to the Sub-Committee during which she stated the Council’s current Private Hire Vehicle policy 2014 did not prejudice the ability of the licensing authority to take into account all the appropriate circumstances of a particular application in reaching its decision, and where it found in an individual case that there were exceptional circumstances the authority may grant a licence for a vehicle that falls outside its normal criteria.

The applicant was asked to present a summary of his case to Members; during which he commented he strongly believed that the service he provided was one that would be used in Thurrock. He continued to explain when he set up his company he pledged to contribute to the environment and to go green, in addition he would be providing an affordable service for the community. 

The Chair asked if there were any further questions, there were none.

The Sub-Committee adjourned at 7.43pm for deliberation and were accompanied by the Legal Advisor and the Democratic Services Officer. 

The meeting reconvened at 8.09pm.

RESOLVED:

The Sub-Committee agrees there are exceptional circumstances to depart from its policies and approves the vehicle in respect of a Private Hire vehicle licence for a period of one year.