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 Chair invited the applicant’s representative to make a statement. They stated that the premises had been operating, offering Middle Eastern cuisine to eat in and take away. The premises had been popular since opening and therefore the applicant had sought to increase their hours to 2.00am. There was no remaining objections from the Responsible Authorities. Two local business objections remained, but the applicant’s representative noted that no evidence was submitted to support those objections. The applicant’s representative stated that the applicant denied all allegations contained within those objections.

The panel questioned the applicant’s representative. The representative informed the panel that a security condition formed part of their agreement with GMP. Door staff would finish their shift when the premises closed. They also noted that the premises already had CCTV in operation at the site.

In summing up, the applicant’s representative stated their belief that local business objections had been made with concerns over further competition in the area.

In their deliberations, the panel considered the verbal representation of the applicant’s representative and all written information received, including that of local business objector. The panel were satisfied that the objections did not contain any evidence to support their claims. The panel noted that there was no remaining Responsible Authority objections to the application. The panel were therefore satisfied that the application would uphold the Licensing Objectives.

Decision

To grant the application, subject to the additional conditions agreed with a local business objector and GMP.