To consider a new premises licence at Holm Park Sports & Recreation Ground, Queenborough Road, Halfway, ME12 3DB.

Supplementary documents from the applicant published 17 June 2025

The Licensing Officer introduced the report which asked Members to consider an application for the grant of a new premises Licence under the Licensing Act 2003 in respect of Holm Park, Sports and Recreation Ground, Queenborough Road, Halfway, Isle of Sheppey, ME10 4GA.  The Licensing Officer reported that there were a number of objections and five objectors were present at the hearing.

The Licensing Officer introduced the application and referred to the proposed licensable activities and hours applied for, which were set out in paragraph 3.2 on page five of the report.  She drew attention to the full application as set out at Appendix 2, and the plan of the premises set out at Appendix 3.  The Licensing Officer reported that following the statutory 28-day consultation no authorities had made representations, however Kent Police had requested conditions which included the removal of the boxing and wrestling events, as set out at Appendix 5, and the applicant had agreed to these.  The Licensing Officer further reported that Swale Borough Councils (SBC) Environmental Services team accepted the applicant’s Noise Management Plan and raised no objection.  Their response was set out at Appendix 6.

The Licensing Officer stated that 39 representations were received including a petition with an additional 57 signatures, the vast majority of which were from local residents.  These were set out at Appendix 7.  They were made on the basis of three of the licensing objectives: the prevention of crime and disorder; the prevention of public nuisance; and the protection of public safety.  The Licensing Officer said that the applicant and objectors had submitted further supporting evidence which had been circulated to all interested parties.

The Chair invited the applicant to present their case.

The applicant said that as Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS) he had 20 years’ experience in hospitality and overseeing events.  He acknowledged the concerns of the objectors and said Holm Park was a ‘community asset’ and he addressed concerns raised by objectors in respect of noise pollution; car parking; light pollution; wildlife; and anti-social behavior.  The applicant stated that as a responsible premises holder all their events were held in a sensitive, controlled and respectful manner. 

The Chair invited the Sub-Committee to ask the applicant questions.

In response, the applicant stated there would not be any firework events at the premises.  Only one music event had been held at the premises in the past year.  The application was to allow them use their grounds to its full potential.

In response to a question regarding similar licenses in the area in respect of alcohol, the Licensing Team Leader provided details of the premises licence held by a neighbouring premises.

Following a question from the Lawyer (Contentious), the applicant confirmed that he would be happy to restrict the ‘events’ requested to six per year, and the hours for live music outside to be 21:30.  He considered the winter months would from October until March, and with no outside entertainment during that period.

The Chair invited interested parties to ask the Applicant questions.

In response to a question the Senior Lawyer (Contentious) clarified what the applicant could apply for under a Temporary Events Notice (TENS) licence. 

The Applicant said that they currently did not have a Traffic Management Plan and stewards currently assisted with parking during events.  He said they were willing to discuss with the relevant authorities also providing cones and signage.  The applicant noted that Queenborough Road, Sheerness was not subject to any parking restrictions.  He clarified that the application was to allow them to add two additional bars.  The applicant advised that they were currently looking to provide a car park with 60 additional spaces at the premises.

The Chair invited the objectors to the application put forward their case.  Points raised included:

·         The applicant should provide a Traffic Management Plan;

·         the application could result in people leaving cars parked in Queenborough Road overnight;

·         if the licensing conditions were agreed, it would be for local residents to monitor;

·         strongly opposed the application;

·         considered the existing licence was adequate;

·         would exacerbate noise pollution from the premises;

·         had no confidence that alcohol would remain within the premises;

·         road safety concerns;

·         the unrestricted sale of alcohol would create a public nuisance;

·         there was no parking control;

·         the Equality Act had not been considered; and

·         would be detrimental to the residential amenity of residents.

In response to a question regarding installing traffic restrictions along Queenborough Road, the Chair suggested contacting their ward members so the item could be considered by the Swale Joint Transportation Board.

The Chair invited a local Ward Member to put forward their case.

The Ward Member noted that whilst the club enjoyed overwhelming support and brought positive benefits to the area, it was important that they considered the concerns of local residents, particularly with regard to parking and noise pollution.

At this point, the Lawyer (Contentious) clarified with the applicant the proposed licensable activities and hours and discussed additional conditions that had been put forward to address concerns.

The Chair invited interested parties to summarise their closing remarks.

Members of the Sub-Committee adjourned at 11.36 am to make their decision.  Members of the Sub-Committee, the Lawyer (Contentious) and the Democratic Services Officer returned to the meeting at 12.20 pm and the decision was announced.

The decision notice is attached to the online version of the minutes.

Resolved:

(1)      That the application as amended be granted subject to the additional conditions as set out on the decision notice.