Agenda item

Haven Leisure Limited have applied for a new premises licence to cover an outdoor area. The application has attracted a large number of representations from members of the public and must therefore be considered by a Sub-Committee. 

The Licensing Team Leader introduced the report which sought a new premises licence to cover an outdoor stage and a container bar at the Weymouth Bay Holiday Park, Preston Road, Weymouth, DT3 6BQ.

The Licensing Officer outlined the application and the times applied for which were all within the report. The regulated entertainment would be limited to the Spring, Summer, and Autumn seasons but there would be no similar restriction on the operation of the bar.

There had been a large number of representations objecting to the application, with concerns focussed mainly on noise and public nuisance for local residents.  The Applicant had submitted a noise management plan which Environmental Protection had confirmed they were happy with.

There had been no withdrawn representations.

There were no questions from the sub-committee or the Applicant for the Licensing Team Leader.

In response to a question from one of the Objectors, the Applicant’s Solicitor confirmed the Noise Assessment Report was published on the 29^{th of} June 2022 and the Noise Management Report on the 12^{th of} July 2022.

The Applicant’s Solicitor was invited to put forward the case for Haven. 

In outlining the application, the Applicant’s Solicitor highlighted the operating times requested and the conditions put forward which had not been added to or amended by the Police or Environmental Protection Officers.

In his presentation the Applicant’s Solicitor paid attention to the revised plans on pages 34-35, the stage area and container bar which would have CCTV cameras. The orientation of the stage as requested by Environmental Protection, sound equipment, noise limiters and the desire for Haven to remain attractive to visitors and holiday makers by increasing their outdoor activities, especially after Covid.

The Solicitor advised that there had been no complaints during 2020 while in 2021 there had been 1 complaint for which no further actions were taken. There had been one complaint this year, but the council had not taken it any further. 

The Solicitor asked the sub-committee to grant the licence and pointed out that Haven could still hold events if the licence was rejected under the live music act. But if the licence was granted then the council would have more control over activities.

The Solicitor told the sub-committee that Haven had agree to a noise limiter and if problems occurred, there was a phone number and email address that would be provided. Regular noise monitoring would also take place.  It was in everyone’s interest to enjoy a harmonious relationship with local residents.  Haven colleagues outlined the noise modelling techniques to be deployed, which they said followed national guidance, including topography and assumptions about wind as well as stating that because the measurements were an average, the background readings were not affected by transient noises such as a loud car passing.  They said that 15 households had been consulted about the proposal and with hindsight they should also have involved the local councillors.  The difficulty was where to draw the line in terms of which roads to consult.  They wanted to play films until 2300 three nights a week which would be played through the sound limiter.  They said that they could apply for TENS to show films but preferred to make a full application.

The Sub-committee were given the opportunity to ask questions of the Applicant.  These focused on the lack of consultation with residents, who would be permitted to use the park (park residents/day visitors etc)?, issues with recruitment, staffing levels and any incidents where the Police had been called to attend.  The Solicitor advised that a security team operated 24/7, all staff were trained to deal with anti-Social behaviour (ASB) and were all linked by radio, the whole park was covered by CCTV and the security team also had body cameras.

The Objectors were then given the opportunity to ask questions of the Applicant.

The Objectors asked questions relating to staff levels, noise levels for both adults and children and babies asked if the films could be limited to a 9pm finish.

Other areas of questioning related to signposting for the park, what additional security would be provided for events, the areas around the park where noise levels were measured and how ASB would be dealt with. The Objectors were not confident that complaints would be dealt with properly and were very unhappy about the level of consultation from the park.

Meeting adjourned 12:28-1pm.

On return the Objectors were given the opportunity to put their case forward.

The issues raised included the effect on the Area of Natural Beauty (AONB) and wildlife, light pollution, the prevention of harm to children when trying to sleep, management issues, Haven’s record keeping and the right to enjoy their home in privacy without noise and disturbance.  A further concern from local residents was the lack of consultation and communication from Haven.  Residents were keen to receive a commitment from Haven to inform them of forthcoming events and to ensure a generic contact number and email address could be accessed in the event of disturbance.

Following the opportunity for the sub-committee to ask questions of the Objectors everyone was given the opportunity to sum up their case prior to the sub-committee retiring to make their decision.