Agenda item

To consider any evidence or representations made following receipt of a new premises licence application in respect of the Noisily Festival, to be held on land owned by Belvoir Castle, known as Terrace Hills Farm, Belvoir Road, Eaton and to determine the application in accordance with the licensing objectives

Prior to the introduction of the report, it was decided that all parties would be given a maximum of 10 minutes to speak.

 

The Licensing and Compliance Officer introduced the report and outlined that the purpose of the meeting was to determine whether a new premises licence should be issued on land within the grounds and owned by Belvoir Castle, known as Terrace Hills Farm, Belvoir Road, Eaton, Grantham NG32 1SN for the Noisily Festival. It was explained that the reason the application had been presented to the Sub Committee was due to the representations received from Environmental Health as well as 41 public representations.

 

Lisa Gillian, the applicant’s legal advisor, outlined her client’s application to the Sub Committee and confirmed that all the relevant paperwork had been submitted and notices had been displayed for the required amount of time.

 

Members raised concerns relating to the following which were positively responded to by Ms Gillian and the applicant, William Hazlerigg:

 

·       Drug use at the festival and similar previous events was not tolerated and there were no concerns raised by the Police for the event, participants would be subject to searches on arrival and any drugs would be seized

·       Impact on wildlife and countryside – survey completed by RSPB, working with Forestry commission and the Woodland Trust

·       Compliance with Environmental Health requirements

·       Meetings with the Safety Advisory Group would be held leading up to the event and relevant event plans were available

·       Arrangements had been agreed with a local farm for the water connection which would not impact on existing supply to local residents

·       Compost toilets would be used

·       Leading recycling company that deals with hospitals was to be used for waste collection and there would be a litter pick for 7 days following the festival

·       The organisers were committed to being a plastic free site

·       Noise issues were taken seriously and there had been no previous complaints on other sites and the music performance timings would be strictly adhered to

·       Arrangement in place to use local suppliers for food etc

·       Evaluation process – will endeavour to meet licensing conditions and if not the Licensing Authority will demand a future hearing. Willingness to meet with relevant authorities to evaluate and pursue lessons learnt after event

·       Responded to negative social media reports and refuted claims of there being any link between the event and support of drug use

·       As well as music, the programme included street food, documentaries, circus performers, mind, body and soul related activities including lectures, yoga, meditation etc

·       The circus performance featured fire breathers and this was in a controlled environment with proven safety procedures

·       Protection and potential loss of income by local businesses was not a licensing objective

·       The festival site would be completely enclosed and fenced and security would be present throughout. This would ensure the safety of festival goers and local residents.

·       Ambulances would be available on site and emergency access was identified in the event management plan

·       The age limit for the event was 18 and therefore no children would be present

·       The organisers were willing to work with local residents

 

Representations were made by the following :

 

·       Cllr Cherry Underwood – Stathern PC

·       Cllr Ian Lowther - Barkestone, Plungar and Redmile PC

·       Emilie Chandler – Member of the public

·       Steve Exwood - Member of the public

·       Ben Lee - Member of the public

 

Concerns were raised around road safety and traffic management, protection of young people, alcohol and drug use, protection of animals in the surrounding area, crime and disorder, noise pollution particularly at night, emergency access. All of which were responded to by the applicant’s solicitor.

 

The Environmental Health Officer summarised their concern and the arrangements agreed with the applicant.

 

Each party was given the opportunity to make a closing statement.

 

At 12:45 pm, the meeting was adjourned to allow the Sub Committee to consider their decision.

 

At 2 pm the meeting was reconvened.

 

RESOLVED

 

On consideration of the evidence, the Licensing & Compliance Officer’s report, the relevant legislation, case law and policies, the Sub-Committee took the decision to refuse the application for a Premises Licence (full decision notice).

 

Right to Appeal

 

There is a right of appeal in respect of this decision. Any appeal of the Sub-Committee’s decision must be lodged at the Magistrates’ Court with 21 days of notification of the Licensing Authority’s decision.