Council and democracy

Councillor Collins nominated himself as Chair of the Licensing Committee to Chair the Sub-Committee. This was seconded by Councillor Maney and agreed by Councillor Fish.

RESOLVED:

That Councillor Collins Chair the Sub-Committee

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 declared.

There were no interests declared.

The Chair of the Sub-Committee advised all present of the process of the hearing. He then invited the Licensing Officer to introduce the report as outlined within the agenda on pages 5 to 59.

Members, Essex Police, the Ward Member and Mr Graham were provided the chance to ask questions of the Licensing Officer.  During which it was enquired by Councillor Maney if the Licensing Team had received applications previously from Mr Graham, as it was mentioned within the agenda they had held past events. It was confirmed this was the first application submitted by the applicant.

Mr Barnes was then provided the opportunity to present the case on behalf of Essex Police and in doing so he confirmed their position as a responsible authority. Subject to the additional conditions they had suggested and had spoken to the applicant about, being included to any licence granted, they no longer objected to the application.

Members, the Licensing Officer, Ward Member and the applicant were provided the chance to ask questions of Essex Police.  There were none from the Licensing Officer.

It was questioned as to whether Essex Police would be able to police such an event should it be agreed. It was clarified that if required the community policing team could deploy additional officers to the event. The Senior Licencing Officer for Essex Police continued by advising the normal number of officers would be within the area and only if intelligence suggested so, would any officers attend undercover or with a dog unit.

The Sub-Committee then heard from Councillor Hebb on behalf of local residents who objected to the event based on the location of the event. He continued that whist he admired the festival in principle, he felt that such a restricted residential area was unsuitable and unable to promote the four licensing objectives for such an event.

Members then heard from three local residents who wished to speak individually, rather than via their Ward Councillor. They made representations in similar terms to Councillor Hebb, arguing that such an event at the proposed location could not promote the licensing objectives and would cause problems for residents as previous events had done in the past, not only with noise complaints but also parking in the area, people leaving the event and not to mention setting up and tidying after the event itself. Residents stated they felt when events were held at this location there was no respect for local residents living in the area.

Mr Graham was then given the opportunity to present his case as set out in the written submissions provided to Sub-Committee. During which he explained how the event would comply with the four licencing objectives and detailed the event from security, the aim to minimise and control noise from the festival and to avoid any anti-social behaviour. He continued by stating an event management plan had been submitted to the Council and Essex Police.

Following questions by Members, the Sub-Committee heard that with concerns relating to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 18.