Agenda and draft minutes

There was an apology for the late start time of the meeting.

Councillor Mike Brown was elected as Chair for the Sub Committee meeting.

There were no apologies for absence.

Councillor Allen Thwaites advised that he was a Trustee of Melton Mencap and one of the speakers at that meeting was also a member of that organisation. He confirmed that they had not communicated on or discussed this licensing application together.

To consider a report that provides information for a review of the premises licence MMA0324 held by Noisily Festival Ltd on land owned by Belvoir Castle, known as Terrace Hills Farm, Belvoir Road, Eaton, Grantham, NG32 1SN. This Premises Licence allows for an annual four-day festival for up to 14,999 persons. Members will be required to consider the information presented and determine the review application, by taking such steps it considers appropriate for the promotion of the Licensing objectives

The Chair explained the procedure for the hearing and it was agreed that each party be allocated 20 minutes for their representation. It was also confirmed that all parties had received the relevant documentation.

The Council’s Legal Advisor, Clive Tobin, reported that 2 parish council representatives that had initially confirmed attendance for the meeting, had since advised they were unable to attend to make their representation in person. With the agreement of all present, it was confirmed to continue with the hearing.

The Licensing and Compliance Officer, Sarah Flower, presented a report that provided information for a review of the premises licence MMA0324 held by Noisily Festival Ltd on land owned by Belvoir Castle, known as Terrace Hills Farm, Belvoir Road, Eaton, Grantham, NG32 1SN. This Premises Licence allowed for an annual four-day festival for up to 14,999 persons. She then advised that 3 supplementary agendas had been issued since despatch of the original agenda which included 2 further written representations and 3 documents from the Licensee namely an Alcohol and Drugs Policy, an email from National Highways relating to traffic signage and an Environmental Noise report.

Members were required to consider the information presented and determine the application by taking such steps it considered necessary for the promotion of the Licensing objectives.

Councillor Cherry Underwood of Stathern Parish Council presented the application for the Applicant.

Members asked the following questions to which Councillor Underwood  responded:

The Sub Committee asked for the position on security and whether the perimeter of the site was clearly identified and what security personnel were present?

Councillor Underwood explained that the site was not completely fenced and there was a gap that was open to the woods. She understood there were security personnel at the main entrance but there were none in the woods and 50 per cent of the festival was held in the woods.

The Sub Committee asked about the road traffic accident?

In response Councillor Underwood explained that there had been a collision with a tractor and someone leaving the festival. It was understood there was a significant storm on the last 2 days of the festival which had contributed to the road conditions.

The Sub Committee asked what was the most significant aspect of the noise that was important to people?

Councillor Underwood advised that it was the length of time as well as the constant thudding that went on into the early hours which made it difficult to sleep until it stopped.

The Sub Committee asked whether there was any evidence of under 18s entering the festival?

Councillor Underwood stated that anyone could have walked through the woods and onto the festival site.

The Sub Committee asked about the death?

Councillor Underwood responded that she believed the incident had been due to substance use.

Representations were made by the following:

Councillor Ian Lowther, Barkestone, Plungar & Redmile Parish Council

Andrew Gurr, Resident

Duncan Shores, Resident

Kelly Davies, My Melton

Borough Councillor Chris Evans

Robin Marsden, Environmental Health Noise Consultant, as a  ...  view the full minutes text for item LSC12