Agenda and draft minutes

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

Proposed by Cllr Craig Monks, seconded by Cllr Emma Parker.

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

To receive any apologies for absence.

Apologies for absence were received from Cllrs Claudia Webb, David Shortell and Kate Wheller, substituted by Cllrs Craig Monks and Emma Parker.

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.

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 items.

An application has been made for a new premises licence at Moors Valley Country Park and Forest, Ashley Heath. The application has been advertised in accordance with regulations and has attracted relevant representations.  A Licensing Sub Committee must consider the application and representations at a public hearing.

The Licensing Team Leader introduced the report and informed that the applicant was no longer seeking a licence for recorded music. The Licensing Authority through the Safety Advisory Group (SAG) had put forward suggested conditions to which the Applicant had agreed. Some of the conditions overlapped with the conditions proposed by the Environmental Health Team apart from the requirement to provide a telephone contact to residents and businesses. The applicant agreed that they were happy with the conditions.

Mr Nick Wardell, the applicant’s District Recreation Manager addressed the Sub-Committee. Moors Valley Country Park had hosted an outdoor photographic exhibition and art festivals over the last few years, which was a great way for people to connect with nature. He wanted to provide small seasonal family focused events per year. The applicant’s events partner had considerable experience running illuminated trails in sensitive locations and the details and event documents had been shared with the (SAG). For each planned event, event specific documents would be provided to the Safety Advisory Group six weeks before each event. The only planned event this year was at Halloween for 10 days which would start at 4pm each day with last entry at 9pm and would involve a light trail with actors to provide an immersive experience for families. The event would be tightly controlled with ticketed entry and he was expecting no more than 2000 people to attend each event. He did not expect the event to impact the road network and the audience profile was low risk with hot chocolate being the most popular drink at other similar events and mulled wine and beer would also be offered. He had applied for a year-round licence to give the option to hold future events such as to show the Gruffalo film at Gruffalo Fun Days and to extend the Halloween event to 12 days.

Ms Taylor, Forestry England responded to questions that an independent ecologist had been commissioned to report on and make recommendations into the impact on wildlife of the event. Mr Bell, Forestry England added that visitors would need to purchase a ticket which included a reserved parking space, and all parking was on site and the applicant would discourage parking elsewhere.

Ms Dunn raised concerned about the 364 day a year licence and the outdoor cinema. She informed that there was only one entry to the site which would cause increased congestion and reduce access for emergency vehicles and local people who need to use medical services. She felt it was irresponsible to sell alcohol at the event that people would drive to, which could lead to anti-social behaviour and aggressive driving.

Ms Lee referred to the Council’s climate and ecological emergency declaration. She raised concerns regarding public nuisance which included damage to the environment, the impact on wildlife as the RSPB and other organisations had objected and dark skies and the Cranborne Chase national landscape. She also covered concerns regarding potential for antisocial behaviour, increased risk of forest fire with her  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.

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.  

No exempt business.