Issue - meetings

That the report be noted.

The Licensing Officer introduced the report on the new legislation and to inform Members of the arrangements for the approval of licence applications. 

The Licensing Officer provided background information and advised the Act required all residential mobile home parks to be relicensed by the Local Authority.  It also introduced changes to the procedures for applying for a site licence, including a ‘fit and proper person’ test for owners and managers.

Referring to the introduction of a ‘fit and proper person’ test, the Licensing Officer explained that it had been agreed by Cabinet that any application for a site licence where the fitness and propriety of the applicant was questioned would be referred to and determined by a Licensing Sub-Committee.  In order to make their decision, the Sub Committee would be provided with information in relation to the applicant’s criminal records and any information Environmental Health felt was appropriate to disclose.  

In response to a question raised by the Chairman concerning the fee for the site licence, the Licence Officer advised that this was currently under consultation and Members would be notified of the outcome in due course.  

During discussion Members raised a number of queries around the ‘fit and proper person test’.  The Licensing Officer explained that the Criminal Records Bureau disclosure was part of the compliance checks but information and intelligence would be sought from additional sources in relation to the applicant as appropriate. 

In response to the further concerns raised by Members in relation to site owners and the appointment of a site manager, the Licencing Officer explained that the new legislation provided a range of enforcement provisions for the Local Authority and a longer five year licence.  He commented that the Authority would take appropriate action on any concerns raised during the licence period.   

RESOLVED:

That the report be noted.