Agenda item

Following objections received, to consider an application for a Premises Licence for Lavershot Barns, London Road, Windlesham GU20 6LL

·         Annex A – Premises Licence Application and Floor Plan

·         Annex B – Representation from Responsible Authorities

§  Surrey Police

§  Surrey Fire and Rescue Service

§  Local Planning Authority

·         Annex C – Representations from Interested Parties

·         Annex D – Response from Applicant to Representations

The Sub Committee was informed that the hearing had been convened to decide an application for a Premises Licence at Lavershot Barns, London Road, Windlesham GU20 6LL.

It was noted that the application covered both the sale of alcohol from the Farm Shop for off site consumption and the sale of alcohol for consumption on site at the restaurant.

The Sub Committee was advised that the application had been correctly completed and had been advertised, and responsible authorities notified, in line with statutory regulations.

The Sub Committee carefully considered all the information presented, both written and oral, from:

·         the Licensing Officer who outlined the issues;

·         the Applicant

·         Interested Parties (4)

The Sub Committee was informed that the Applicant had had a number of meetings with the Interested Parties and had subsequently made a number of changes to their application and business model to mitigate the impacts that the business would have on local residents.

The Sub Committee noted that Surrey Police had submitted a representation in their capacity as a Responsible Body and the applicant had agreed to implement the suggestions made by Surrey Police in their working practices.

The Sub Committee noted that four representations had been received from members of the public and a local councillor.  Of these, one of the interested parties stated that following a number of conversations with the Applicant she was satisfied that the premises would be run in a responsible manner and was now supportive of the application.

The Sub Committee noted that the three other representations had been received from members of the public which made reference to the problems caused by noise nuisance of customers leaving the premises in the evening and the increase in traffic levels entering and leaving the site and the implications this could have on the surrounding properties.   Further concern was raised that a number of measures that the Applicant stated that they would take to reduce the impact of premises on neighbouring properties for example the siting of doors were not guaranteed because the premises were not yet operational and planning permission was required to approve the building’s change of use.

In reaching their decision, the Sub Committee took into consideration the representations made in relation to the prevention of public nuisance. However, it was considered that the concerns did not meet the threshold that would undermine the relevant licensing objectives. 

The concerns about proposed changes to the plans not being implemented were acknowledged however it was noted that these were planning matters and therefore could not be considered as part of the deliberations.  The Sub Committee did note however that the concerns were things that could be addressed through the imposition of appropriate planning conditions when the planning application for change of use was determined by the Local Planning Authority.

The decision making process was a matter of judgement by the Sub Committee and having weighed all the evidence provided by the interested parties and the Applicant the evidence came down clearly in favour of granting the licence.  From the representations made, the Sub Committee had confidence that the Applicant would trade as a responsible body, with a clear plan and policies in place to tackle the issues raised.

On balance, the Sub Committee decided that granting the licence, would not have an adverse impact on the promotion of the four licensing objectives: Prevention of Crime and Disorder, Public Safety, Prevention of Public Nuisance, and Protection of Children from Harm.

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RESOLVED that the application for a premises licence at Lavershot Barns, London Road, Windlesham, Gu20 6LL be granted.