Agenda item

The Sub-Committee is requested to determine the application.

Applicant:        Sarah Jayne Brown

The following papers are attached:

(i)         Licensing Team Leader’s report

(ii)        Appendix A – Application and plan

(iii)       Appendix B – Map of the area

(iv)       Appendix C – Amendments to proposed conditions

(v)        Appendix D – Copies of the representations

The procedure to be followed by the Sub-Committee is attached to this agenda.

The sub-committee considered an application from Sarah Brown in respect of Lillyroos, Lookers Cottage, Foulmead Farm, Sandwich Road, Hacklinge. The application was for a premises licence as follows:

On the basis of the representations of the applicant, their witnesses, and other persons, the sub-committee found the following facts to be established:

(i)            The application was for a premises licence on a family glamping site. The site was an open field with six 5 metre bell tents and provision for camping, caravans and motorhomes, accommodating 100 people.

(ii)           There was an outbuilding and covered communal area with an open bar area and seating for up to 30 people. There was a small area where music would take place. Music was not intended to go beyond 23:00 hours and would only be played when a private event was taking place.

(iii)         The applicant had a converted mobile van with provision to serve hot and cold refreshments along with alcohol. This would be offered as an option to clients who booked the site for events. The van, if required, could move to anywhere within the site.

(iv)         There had been eight Temporary Event Notices (TENs) utilised at the premises since April 2019. These events did not go beyond 23:55hrs and there were no complaints made.

(v)          Two representations were received objecting to the application. Mrs Bowkett and Ms Dewen were present at the hearing. There were no representations made by any of the Responsible Authorities, including the Police.

(vi)         Following the eight events authorised under the TENs the objectors were concerned by the increase and speed of traffic entering and leaving the premises along with the loud music and wandering people late at night. They were reluctant to sit in the garden and it had caused distress to the neighbours’ livestock. Mrs Dewen was unable sleep at the back of her house during events and her windows must remain closed.

(vii)        For clarity Mrs Bowkett and Mrs Dewen annotated the map provided in the agenda pack to clearly identify the location of their properties and a riding school adjacent to Foulmead Cottage. This was agreed by all parties.

(viii)       The access to the properties annotated on the map was via a private road, as well as a public road. There were two commercial buildings beyond the premises which also had the use of these roads.

(ix)         Following complaints from neighbours the applicants have installed signage directing traffic to the glamping site by an alternative route and ‘drive slowly’ signs. New improved signage was being made and they were exploring the possibility of also having a tourist board signage.

(x)          When queried, the objectors advised that they had experienced traffic problems at times when there was not an event authorised under a TEN.

(xi)         The site was an open site with no barriers to deaden the noise from music or people. The applicants suggested that the noise could be mitigated by way of hay bale barriers. The stage area for music acts was facing in the direction of Sandwich Bay and away from the neighbouring properties. The applicant amended their application to end music at 23:00 hours.

In reaching its findings the sub-committee took into account the following:

(i)            Dover District Council’s Licensing Policy.

(ii)           The Licensing Act 2003 and the guidance given under Section 182 of the Act.

(iii)          Section 17 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998.

(iv)          Article 6 of the Human Rights Act.

RESOLVED:     (a)       GRANT the application for a premises licence in respect of Lillyroos, Lookers Cottage, Foulmead Farm, Sandwich Road, Hacklinge as follows:

(b)             Live and recorded music is deregulated during the hours sought. No licence is required for either activity between the hours of 08:00 and 23:00 hrs when selling alcohol, provided the audience does not exceed 500.

(c)              Refused application for late night refreshment.