The report of the Director of Planning, Building Control and Licensing is enclosed.

The Hearing Panel considered a report from the Directorof Planning, Building Control and Licensing concerning the above application.  The written papers and oral representations of the parties who attended were also considered, as well as the relevant legislation.

In line with the established procedure, the Hearing Panel heard from the Applicant’s Representative who advised that the premises is situated in a location where a “new neighbourhood” is taking shape, comprising of residential premises, offices, and hospitality venues.  The Hearing Panel was told that the premises is “self-contained” and there is no application to licence any outside area. The Panel heard that it was likely residents had mentioned the outside area in their representations as there had been a public realm application made for the area (which had subsequently been withdrawn) and that this had likely caused some confusion.

The Applicant’s representative took the Panel  through the plans of the location and described to the members how dispersal would take place. The Panel was advised that there is a gate in place which restricts patrons from accessing Lower Byrom street. The resident’s representations were described by the Applicant’s representative as falling into two general categories, the first of which were in relation to the dispersal of people cutting through on to Lower Byrom Street. It was explained to the Panel that the Applicant had met with The Licensing and Out of Hours Team at the location, a local Ward Councillor and one resident Anna Wooley who had taken up the offer of a meeting at the location to demonstrate how customers would disperse from the premises.  The Panel  noted that no other residents attended although they had been invited to attend.  . Following the meeting a condition was agreed with The Licensing and Out of Hours Team to address the issue of dispersal as follows.

There shall be restricted access on Grape Street to ensure that customers cannot reach Atherton Street or Lower Byrom Street from Grape Street. Customers shall be directed to disperse from Grape Street onto Goods Yard Street (as shown on the attached dispersal plan, with permitted routes in green and blocked access in red). Amended dispersal policy- also attached.

It was highlighted that this should also address the concerns of the residents regarding noise out break from dispersal.

The second category  of residents were described by the Applicant’s representative as persons concerned with the terminal hour and dispersal up Goods Yard Street. The Panel was told that the premises is only likely to hold 150/180 patrons who would gradually disperse over the evening. In addition, the proposed area was to be served with 24/7 security across the estate which would ensure patrons leave in an orderly fashion. As previously stated by the Applicant’s representative, there is no outside licensable area so there will be no noise out break from this area. It was submitted that the premises is in an appropriate location and appropriate hours have been applied for which are not out of step with  ...  view the full minutes text for item 25.

The report of the Director of Planning, Building Control and Licensing is enclosed.

The Hearing Panel was informed that an email had been received from the Applicant  requesting that the matter is adjourned as he was unable to attend due to work commitments.

All parties who had arrived for the hearing confirmed that they did not object to the matter being adjourned.  The Panel also took into consideration that no prejudice to any party since the premises was not currently operating and further that it was in line with the principles of natural justice  to give the Applicant an opportunity to attend to put their case. 

The Hearing Panel subsequently agreed to adjourn the matter until the 22May 2023 at 10.00am

Decision

To adjourn the matter until the 22May 2023 at 10.00am