Now contains new information from an objector/s.

Consideration was given to a report of the Director of Planning, Building Control and Licensing regarding a New Premises Licence.

The Hearing Panel considered the written papers, oral representations of all parties as well as the relevant legislation and guidance.

The applicant’s agent addressed the Hearing Panel and stated that this premises was to be a bookings led bar/restaurant with a focus on food and a specific atmosphere due to its design/colour scheme. The agent stated that the clientele tended to be female led, was intended for all age groups and that the business was expanding around Britain. 202 Kitchen had been the preferred bidder for this venue and the agent confirmed that the applicant had invested £1million into the venture and expressed that this would ensure the proposed premises were of a high standard. The previous two units would be combined into one for this business and the agent confirmed that the hours requested were modest in comparison to the previous venues at the location. The agent stated that they were made aware of a Local Ward Councillor and local residents’ concerns and had therefore hosted an online meeting, subsequently offering 42 conditions. The agent then noted that they had met agreements with Trading Standards with no other objections received from Responsible Authorities. In their final comments the agent stated that they had not yet agreed the outdoor use and smoking area but were committed to falling in line with conditions on other nearby premises and would also work with local residents and the City Council in this regard.

A Local Ward Councillor addressed the Hearing Panel and raised concerns regarding the layout of the buildings where the premises would be housed, stating that it was three sided which made any noise echo, adding that the capacity of the venue was too large and would be better suited to a different location. The Ward Councillor also expressed that they would have liked to have seen the conditions for the use of the outside and smoking areas included in the application.

A local resident addressed the Hearing Panel and stated that the notice area where the application was displayed was in disarray and was therefore difficult to observe. The local resident also expressed their concerns over the dispersal of patrons, the likely attendance of hen parties and delivery services management.

In their deliberations, the Hearing Panel felt that the operator had established a number of additional conditions to address the concerns of the Local Ward Councillor and nearby residents. The Hearing Panel felt that they could agree to grant the licence subject to the agreed conditions and added that the applicant should attend resident’s meetings twice per year and should create a documented policy for the smoking and outside area use which should be agreed with the City Council.

Decision

To grant the licence subject to agreed conditions and with the addition of two further conditions:

1. Premises Licence Holder to attend two residents meetings per year.

2. To agree with the City Council a documented policy for the smoking and outside areas.