Agenda item

To determine the application for a new premises licence on land within the grounds and owned by Belvoir Castle, known as Knipton pastures & Frog Hollow, Belvoir Castle grounds, Belvoir NG32 1PE for the Forbidden Forest Festival in accordance with the promotion of the Licensing Objectives

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

The Licensing & Compliance Officer introduced the report and explained that the purpose of the meeting was to decide whether a premises licence would be granted on land within the grounds, and owned by Belvoir Castle, known as Knipton pastures & Frog Hollow, Belvoir Castle grounds, Belvoir, NG32 1PE for the Forbidden Forest Festival. It was explained to the Sub-Committee that the reason the application had been presented to them is because five objections had been received. It was noted that, at the time of the Sub-Committee, four objections had been withdrawn and only one remained unresolved.

The Licensing & Compliance Officer explained to Members that the Licensing Team had no objections to the application. It was explained that in terms of noise, licensable activities in the festival site area would cease at 11pm, while licensable activities at the campsite area would continue until 3am but the noise would be mitigated by moving to a silent disco.

Felicity Tulloch, the applicant’s legal representative, outlined the application and explained that the event is planned for early July 2022. It was noted that there had been no objections raised by Leicestershire Police. Ms Tulloch explained how the applicant had addressed the concerns raised. In respect to the remaining objection, an attempt had been made to contact the objector, however the applicant had been unable to reach them. The nature of the objection was confusing as it referred to element that had not been applied for.

In addressing questions from Members, the applicant and their legal representative explained the following:

• The event is a one-off event, however there is a potential that the event might not take place on the weekend identified by the application. It was explained that the application was completed before Christmas 2021 and that the Covid situation was different at the time.
• The event would be a camping festival and therefore there would be ‘reasons to stay’ including a food area, an entertainment area and washing facilities.
• In respect to anti-social behaviour, the applicant had discussions with Leicestershire Police and security companies. Members were reassured that if there are incidents then the offender would be placed into a holding area and then escorted to a train or coach station where they could get home. In terms of general security arrangements, there would be effective security to ensure that crowds migrate to the event.
• There would be effective waste management at the event and that the lake would be fenced off in order to prevent littering.
• Shuttle buses from Melton Mowbray and Grantham train stations would be running to and from the application site. It was confirmed that they would run constantly throughout the day.

At 11:10am, the meeting was adjourned to allow the Sub-Committee to consider their decision.

At 11:26am, the meeting was reconvened.

RESOLVED

The Licensing Sub-Committee granted the application subject to the

conditions as outlined in Appendix 1 of the Decision Notice.