Agenda and minutes

To elect a Chairman for the meeting and the Chairman to present and explain the procedure for the meeting.

Proposed by Cllr Fry,seconded by Cllr Somper.

Decision: that Cllr Beer be elected as Chair for the duration of the meeting.

To receive any apologies for absence.

No apologies for absence were received at the meeting.

To disclose any pecuniary, other registrable or non-registrable interests as set out in the adopted Code of Conduct. In making their disclosure councillors are asked to state the agenda item, the nature of the interest and any action they propose to take as part of their declaration.

If required, further advice should be sought from the Monitoring Officer in advance of the meeting.

No declarations of disclosable pecuniary interests were made at the meeting.

An application has been made for a new premises licence for Binghams Grange Touring and Camping Park, Melplash, Bridport, Dorset, DT6 3TT. The application has been out to public consultation.  Representations have been received. A Licensing Sub-Committee must therefore consider the application and representations at a public hearing. 

The Senior Licensing Officer introduced the application which was for the sale of alcohol from Monday to Sunday between the hours of 12:00 to 22:00, on and off the premises. The licence would also permit the sale of alcohol on New Year's Eve from 11:00-01:30 on New Year's Day. 

The Sub-Committee heard from Mr Guert, Solicitor for the Applicant, who advised that the Caravan and Motorhome Club acquired the site in 2018 and had undertaken substantial refurbishment works, with the site expected to reopen partially in July 2025. He explained that the application related to a campsite café, reception and shop, and did not include any regulated entertainment, live or recorded music. 

The Solicitor explained that the hours sought were more limited than those previously authorised and that the application had been carefully considered. Following discussions with local residents and the Parish Council, the proposed terrace seating area had been reduced, resulting in the withdrawal of the Parish Council’s representation. The solicitor highlighted that the only licensing objective engaged was the prevention of public nuisance. 

The Solicitor emphasised that each application should be considered on its own merits and noted that no responsible authorities, had objected. It was submitted that the proposed operation was a modest, professionally managed facility for Caravan and Motorhome Club members and their guests, rather than a destination venue for the general public. 

The Solicitor opposed a number of conditions requested by interested parties, including a terrace curfew, restrictions linking alcohol sales to food, mandatory resident liaison meetings, and the requirement for a noise management plan. It was submitted that the proposal would support tourism and economic growth, was appropriate for its rural location, and was unlikely to cause public nuisance. 

In response to questions from Members, the Applicant advised that approximately a dozen Caravan and Motorhome Club sites across the UK had bars, there had been no significant police issues, and management contact details were publicly available. Any events held at the site would be for Club members and their guests. 

Councillor Eysenck, speaking as the local Ward Member, advised that he did not object in principle to the grant of a premises licence and recognised the investment being made in the site. However, he noted the site's location within a sensitive rural landscape and expressed support for measures to monitor and manage noise. He considered a noise monitoring condition would help prevent public nuisance and provide reassurance to local residents. 

Mr and Mrs Herbert addressed the Sub-Committee in objection to the application. They submitted that the application should be considered on its own merits and raised issues regarding the potential for noise disturbance and light pollution affecting neighbouring properties. Drawing on their experience of operating the site for approximately five years, they expressed reservations about the impact of the proposed operation on local amenity. Particular reference was made to the potential for noise from external areas and the site's air source heat pump. They considered their proposed conditions to be reasonable and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.

To consider any items of business which the Chairman has had prior notification and considers to be urgent pursuant to section 100B (4) b) of the Local Government Act 1972. The reason for the urgency shall be recorded in the minutes.

There were no urgent itens.

To move the exclusion of the press and the public for the following item in view of the likely disclosure of exempt information within the meaning of paragraph 3 of schedule 12 A to the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended). The public and the press will be asked to leave the meeting whilst the item of business is considered.  

There are no exempt items scheduled for this meeting.  

There was no exempt business.