PRESENT:     Councillor P Rogerson (Chairman)

     Councillors Mrs K J Dix and D A B Green

ALSO PRESENT FOR THE HEARING:

Mrs C Steven      –      Licensing Officer, Wycombe District Council

Mr B Nobbs      –      Wycombe Judo Club

Mr J O’Brien       –      Wycombe Judo Club

Mr R Gates          –     Solicitor for Applicant

Mrs A Harris

Mrs E Higgins

Mrs M Hudson          Local Residents

Mrs R Jones          (Barry Close and Oak Crescent)

Mrs Smith

Mrs D Whale

OFFICERS IN ATTENDANCE:

Mrs S Wilson     –     Principal Solicitor, Wycombe District Council

Mr M Conroy     –     Council Secretariat, Wycombe District Council

Ms Z Prentice     –     Legal Services, Wycombe District Council (Observer)

1.      DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST    

There were no declarations of interest.

2.      INTRODUCTORY REMARKS

The Chairman of the Panel outlined the procedure to be adopted in relation to the conduct of the Hearing.

3.      RECORD OF HEARINGS

4.  HIGH WYCOMBE JUDO CENTRE, BARRY CLOSE, HIGH WYCOMBE

The Panel met to conduct a Hearing into the application by High Wycombe Judo Centre Ltd under s17 of the Licensing Act 2003 for a premises licence as detailed in the report submitted.

In response to the application the Panel noted that an objection had been received from the Council’s Department of Planning and Major Projects contending that the application was in conflict with a condition placed on a planning consent for the premises in 1984, details of which were contained in an appendix.  It was noted that if the licence application was approved, the applicant would need to apply for a relaxation of the condition.  A further representation had been received in the form of a petition with 27 signatures, a copy of which together with associated documentation were attached as an appendix.  The major concerns raised in the petition related to a possible increase in existing nuisance caused by vehicles parking in surrounding streets together with a possible increase in existing noise nuisance.  Six of the signatories were present at the meeting.

Both the applicant and the residents present were provided with the opportunity to question the Licensing Manager and each other on the issues raised in respect of the application and the Panel discussed these matters with the parties concerned.

During these discussions the applicants proposed to amend the application by reducing opening hours as follows: 10.00am to midnight (Monday – Thursday), 10.00am to 1.00am on Friday and 10.00am to 2.00am on Saturday.

It was also reported that the applicants were seeking an arrangement with Cressex School to take any overflow of car parking when required, particularly when the playing fields were being used.  Cones were being purchased in an additional attempt to mitigate car parking problems in the area.

The Panel noted these proposals but during further discussion it remained the residents’ view that the noise nuisance experienced by them would not be alleviated by the proposals outlined above.

At the conclusion of the discussions, the panel went into private session to consider its decision.

(At this juncture the Licensing Manager, interested parties, the applicant and his representative left the meeting.)

During discussion of the evidence received, the Panel took into consideration the licensing objectives under the Act, national guidance and the Council’s licensing policy.  Members took the view that notwithstanding the proposals made by the applicant weight needed to be given to the prevention of noise in a residential area that included older persons accommodation and in view of this it was:

RESOLVED: That the application for a premises licence at High Wycombe Judo Centre be approved subject to the following amendments;

Opening Hours

Late Night Refreshment

Licensable Activities relating to films, indoor sporting events, live music, recorded music and performance of dance (including anything of a similar description), provision of facilities for making music and dancing (including anything of a similar description) and supply of alcohol on the Premises.

Amplified music or other entertainment noise from within the premises shall not auditable at any residential premises during the hours when licensable activities are taking place.

A noise limiting device shall be installed, fitted and maintained in such a manner as to control all sources of amplified music at the premises to the satisfaction of an authorised officer of the responsible environmental health authority.

A noise management policy shall be provided for the premises.  The business must look at all aspects for disturbance and activities to be held there and consider over what time period the activities are to be carried out.  The business must then assess the potential for noise problems from the premises and put appropriate control measures in place.  The policy is to be provided to the satisfaction of Licensing Authority prior to the licensable activities taking place.  This policy must be reviewed annually and updated following any complaints or alterations to the premises or licence.

Prominent, clear and legible notices are to be displayed at all exits requesting the public to respect the needs of local residents and to leave the premises and the area quietly and to ensure that all rubbish and litter is placed in a bin or taken away from the vicinity of the premises.

Events offered to persons who are not members of the club are to be limited to 24 per year.

(The meeting commenced at 10.30am and concluded at 12.20pm)

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CHAIRMAN