Agenda item

Report of the Executive Director for Economy and Public Protection

The Executive Director for Economy and Public Protection submitted a report (previously circulated) requesting that Members consider and determine an application for a new Premises Licence for Rockliffe Hall, Hurworth Place, Darlington, DL2 2DU in light of representations made from residents in relation to at least one of the four licensing objectives.

Present at the meeting were Colin Dobson, Licensing Manager; Brian Murray, Assistant Licensing Manager; Jim Langley, Lawyer; and Hannah Miller, Democratic Officer.

The Licensing Manager introduced the application for a new Premises Licence for Rockliffe Hall and Members were reminded of the supplementary information following mediation between local residents and the management of Rockliffe Hall. Members noted the proposed conditions agreed during the mediation process and that as a result six of the 11 residents had withdrawn their objections. Members were further advised that a further four residents had since withdrawn their objections, with only one objection now remaining. Reference was also made to the additional information provided relating to the project overview.

Members listened carefully to the representations made by Richard Arnot, Lawyer on behalf of Rockliffe Hall.

The Sub-Committee considered the views in accordance with guidance issued under Section 182 of the Licensing Act 2003 including Section 1.18 and the Council’s Licensing Policy in relation to the Licensing Act 2003.

In reaching their decision, Members noted the remaining objection submitted by a local resident and listened to the representations made at the meeting. Members concluded that none of the licensing objectives would be compromised by granting the application. The Members particularly noted that there had only been one complaint made directly to the premises in the past three years regarding the issue referenced in the representation received from the local resident in response to this application. Members also noted the amendments to the conditions following the mediation process with regard to control of noise.

RESOLVED – That the Premise Licence be granted subject to conditions that are consistent with the operating schedule accompanying the application and the mandatory conditions set out in the Licensing Act 2003.