Agenda and minutes

Councillor Clarke was appointed Chair for the meeting.

There were no apologies for absence.

Members are asked to declare any interests they may have in the business to be discussed.

Members were asked to declare any disclosable pecuniary or other interests they had in the business on the agenda.

Councillor Clarke said he had sat on a previous hearing for College Court, which was referenced in some of the representations from residents, and he had received an email from a Councillor which he did not heed, and he sat on the hearing panel with an open mind.

Councillor Dr. Barton said she had sat on a previous hearing for College Court, which was reference in some of the representations from resident, but it had no relevance to the application before the panel, as each case was considered on its own merits.

In accordance with the Council’s Code of Conduct, the interests were not considered so significant that it was likely to prejudice Members judgement of the public interest. Councillors were, therefore, not required to withdraw from the meeting.

The Director of Environmental Services submits a report on an application for a variation of an existing Club Premises Certificate, Carisbrooke Lawn Tennis Club, Carisbrooke Road, Leicester, LE2 3PF.

Report attached. A copy of the associated documentation is attached for Members only. Further copies are available on the Council’s website at www.cabinet.leicester.gov.uk or by phoning Democratic Support on 454 6354.

Please note that the supporting information to the report contains exempt information and is attached for Members only. These papers are marked “NOT FOR PUBLICATION”. The information in these papers will be exempt as defined in paragraphs 1 and 2 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972, as amended and it is considered that the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information. The information therefore must not be disclosed or discussed at the meeting. Should Members wish to refer to any of these details it is recommended that the meeting move to exclude the Press and Public during its consideration.

The Director, Environmental Services, submitted a report that required Members to determine an application for a variation of an existing club premises certificate, for Carisbrooke Lawn Tennis Club, Carisbrooke Road, Leicester, LE2 3PF.

Members noted that representations had been received in respect of the application which necessitated that the application for the variation of the club premises certificate had to be considered by Members.

Mr David Oliver and Mr Paul Hammond (Committee Members) were present at the meeting. Mr Neil Cooper (Noise Team) and Mr David Shelley (Local Resident) who had made representations were present at the meeting. The Licensing Team Manager, Solicitor to the Hearing Panel, and Ms Johnstone (Student accompanying the Noise Team representative and observing) were also present at the meeting.

The Licensing Team Manager reiterated that each application was taken on its own merits, and that the previous hearing for College Court had no influence on the application submitted by Carisbrooke Lawn Tennis Club.

The Licensing Team Manager presented the report. The meeting was informed that a correct plan outlining the location of the club had been circulated to Committee Members and representees prior to the meeting. It was noted that representations had been received from five local residents on the grounds of the prevention of crime and disorder, the prevention of public nuisance and public safety. It was also noted that a representation had been received from the Noise Team on the grounds of the prevention of public nuisance. It was reported that an agreement had since been reached between the applicant and the Noise Team, which contained five agreed conditions. Photographs of the exterior of the premises were circulated to those present at the meeting, and the meeting was asked to note the entrance to the club was from Kenwood Road.

The Noise Team officer then proceeded to outline the reasons for the representation and subsequent agreement, and answered questions from Members:

·         There had been no further complaints since March 2014. The Noise Team had witnessed noise nuisance following two complaints received, and had met with club representatives to discuss the noise issues.

·         The building was of wooden design with no significant acoustic insulation.

·         The club had reached an agreement with the Noise Team for five conditions to be added to the licence, information of which was circulated at the meeting.

·         The Noise Team were satisfied that if the conditions outlined were complied with, there would be no additional noise from the premises.

Mr Shelley outlined the reasons for the representation and answered questions from Members:

·         There were approximately 100 properties within 250 yards of the club.

·         Mr Shelley lived up a hill away from the club, but sounds could travel up the hill for some distance.

·         There was no objection to events ending around 8.00pm, but objected to events later in the evening that could be disruptive to young children.

·         The club premises building was not high spec, triple glazed, or purpose built, but thin-skinned, and from 20-30 yards away people could be  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.

The meeting closed at 11.10am.