Agenda and minutes

Members are reminded of their responsibility to declare any pecuniary interest in respect of matters contained in this agenda.

If you have a pecuniary interest you must withdraw from the meeting. Normally you should leave the room before the business starts to be discussed. You do, however, have the same right to speak as a member of the public and may remain in the room to enable you to exercise that right and then leave immediately. In either case you must not seek to improperly influence a decision on the matter.

No declarations of any interests were received.

General procedure points and hearing procedure for the meeting (enclosed).

The Chair outlined the procedure to be used to conduct the meeting.

Report of the Director of Early Intervention and Support (enclosed).

The Sub-Committee received an application from Heapey and Wheelton Village Hall Committee made under Section 17 of the Licensing Act 2003 for the granting of a premises licence for the Heapey and Wheelton Village Hall, West View, Wheelton, Chorley, PR6 8HJ. Members were asked to determine the application in light of two relevant representations that had been received.

The Regulatory Services Manager reported that a representation in support of the application had also been received from the local Parish Council but it was received outside of the deadline and a further Representation objecting to the Application had also been received which was also received after the consultation period. Although outside of the deadline, the Officer believed that these should be heard at Committee.

The application was for regulated entertainment only and sought to regulate the entertainment provision applied for through proposed conditions included in the operating schedule of the application to promote the Licensing objectives; the Prevention of Crime and Disorder, Public Safety, the Prevention of Public Nuisance, and the Protection of Children from Harm.

The premises is situated in the heart of the village and is surrounded by a mix of residential dwellings, it has a long history as a village hall and previously as a school. The building currently offers a range of facilities and activities for locals and groups. The application seeks to offer regulated activities that one would normally be expected to be provided at such a venue.

The Applicant spoke on behalf of the Village Hall Committee and highlighted what provisions would be undertaken to ensure compliance with the Licensing objectives. The Village Hall had a policy of no 18 year old parties and only people over the age of 21 could book the premises. Essentially, events that took place at the Village Hall consisted mainly of private parties (normally for children).

Members were informed that in the past the Village Hall Committee had worked to avoid increased noise levels with regards to the regular Zumba classes and approached Chorley Council for advice on this. It was anticipated that an air conditioning system would be installed in the Main Hall on 17 August – one of the hopes being that installation would decrease the need to open the windows and doors of the hall and subsequently decrease the levels of noise travelling to the neighbouring properties.

The Applicant reminded Members that the Village Hall was a valuable asset to the community and was owned by the Villagers. Therefore, general maintenance of the building is funded by the money raised by a small body of volunteers, a large sum of which comes from hiring out the hall.

The Village Hall Committee believed the time restrictions under the current premises were unattractive to potential hirers and it was hoped that an extension would appear more favourable. This support was reiterated by the Parish Council who were present and gave their representations at the meeting.

The Council had received one representation from an objector who lives next  ...  view the full minutes text for item 16.LAS.65