notification of chairman and outline of procedure

The Chairman opened the meeting by introducing the Sub-Committee and the Officers present. He explained that the Sub-Committee would consider a variation of the Premises Licence for The Brown Jug, Horsham Lane, Upchurch and detailed the procedure that would be followed.

declarations of interest

With reference to the first item on the agenda that was to be considered (Bysingwood Community Hall, Wildish Road, Faversham), Councillor Simon Clark declared a Personal Interest as he had previously worked with one of the committee members of West Faversham Community Association. This item was adjourned until the next meeting of the Sub-Committee on 23rd May 2007.

part b minutes for information

application to vary premises licence under the licensing act 2003 - the brown jug, horsham lane, upchurch

Mr Barnes, the Applicant, presented his case. He explained that the application consisted of three main themes: a 'tidying up' process with ancillary activities; a request to allow recorded music on New Year's Eve and a provision for live music, twelve times a year. He reminded the Sub-Committee that a previous application to hold 24 live music events had been refused. He considered that since then the situation had changed; twelve events were now requested and a new Designated Premises Supervisor had been employed. The previous application had been opposed by a neighbour but the applicant had no knowledge of any objections from residents with regard to the current application. He considered there was community support for the application and the variations could benefit the amenities of the rural area. He suggested that a sound proofing system could be installed between the pub and the adjoining property.

Miss Holsman, the Designated Premises Supervisor, explained that the pub was popular with locals and community activities were planned to be held at the pub. She considered that the music would be low key.

In response to a question, Mr Barnes explained that live music outdoors was limited to one event per year, for four hours and had to end at 9 pm. He confirmed that there was no disco music in the premises.

The Environmental Protection Manager explained that his department objected to the variation and that he had not seen the plans showing proposals for sound proofing. He raised concerns as to whether these proposals were sufficient to reduce any noise being transmitted to the neighbouring property. Vulnerable areas, for sound to come through, in the building included the fireplace and stairwell. He emphasised that the quality of the sound proofing would have to be very good for it to work well. He had received verbal concerns from a neighbour.

The Applicant advised that the sound proofing scheme had been prepared by a surveyor who had previously completed similar work. He confirmed that the proposed hours in the report were correct and were in addition to those already in place. He agreed that the Performance of Dance provision could be removed.

The Licensing Sub-Committee adjourned to make their decision at 2.32 pm. Members of the Sub-Committee, the Senior Solicitor and the Democratic Services Officers left the meeting and returned at 2.47 pm, when the Sub-Committee re-convened.