notification of chairman and outline of procedure

The Chairman opened the meeting by introducing the Sub-Committee and the Officers present. He then outlined the procedure that would be followed.

declarations of interest

No interests were declared.

part b minutes for information

application to vary the premises license under the licensing act 2003 - park tavern, park road, sittingbourne

Mr Davies, the applicant presented his case, which sought a variation of the Premises Licence at the Park Tavern, Park Road, Sittingbourne. Mr Davies reported they were happy to accept the further conditions recommended by the Environmental Protection Team as outlined in the report.

The Chairman then invited local residents to speak.

Mr Wells, a local resident stated that he had lived next-door to the Park Tavern since 1961 and since the introduction of karaoke evenings at the public house noise levels from the garden area had increased to an unacceptable level. He explained that the two rear bedrooms of his property overlooked the garden and excessive noise had now resulted in his family being unable to use those rooms. He drew attention to a recent incident on Burns Night when at 1:45am he asked some customers of the public house to keep the noise down and was verbally abused by them. He added that he understood the licensee was running a business and needed to make a profit but a compromise was needed to protect the amenities of local residents.

Mrs Buddle, a local resident stated that her garden backed onto the public house and was separated by a five foot six inch wall. She advised that for the last year they had been experiencing problems with people from the public house kicking a ball against the wall until 2am, and bottles and glasses being thrown over; this had lead to them being unable to hold family events in their back garden. She added they had lived happily at the property for 27 years, but now felt increasingly intimidated by some customers to the public house and were considering moving away.

Mr Davies reported that they would be happy to provide appropriate signage to ensure no ball games were played after 10pm. Discussions ensued and Members suggested that, with the permission of Mrs Buddle, the erection of appropriate fencing on the wall could be explored with the applicants to alleviate the concerns raised by Mrs Buddle.

Mr Morgan, a local resident reported that he had lived in Park Road for 60 years and had known the eight previous landlords. He added that the public house over the years had gained a reputation as a well ordered, quiet community facility; he considered however, that the introduction of karaoke at the premises had attracted a different clientele which had had a detrimental affect on public order and convenience. He raised concern that some customers parked at the front of the premises blocking the pavement, making it dangerous for local residents.

Mr Davies reported that they would be prepared to erect an appropriate 'no parking' sign to resolve the parking issue, but that enforcement of parking was outside the remit of the Licensee. However he was aware that both vehicles identified in the report illegally parked had been issued with tickets. He explained that the owner of one of the vehicles had written a letter which he presented to the Committee.

At this point the Senior Solicitor advised that the letter could not be considered as the consultation period had already lapsed.

The Chairman then invited the Sub-Committee Members to ask questions. In response to queries, Mrs Bean advised that live music would be held in the public bar area and that there was no additional parking area allocated for the Park Tavern.

The Sub-Committee adjourned to make their decision at 10:29 am. Members of the Sub-Committee, the Senior Solicitor and Democratic Services Officer left the meeting and returned at 10:50 am.

The Chairman urged the applicant to investigate with the neighbours the possibility and advisability of raising the height of garden dividing walls with a small fence for better privacy and possible sound attenuation.