Agenda, decisions and minutes

None.

None.

Purpose: To receive any Declarations and advise Members accordingly.

None were received.

None were received.

The Chairman explained the procedure for hearing and determining the application, and detailed the order in which speakers would be able to address the Panel.

That the time limited Premises Licence be granted at Five Acre, Ffordd Plas Ucha, Nercwys to play live and recorded music and anything of a similar description, late night refreshment and the supply of alcohol for consumption on the premises.  The licence to be granted with the following conditions:

·         That the licensable activities take place between the hours of 5pm and midnight on Saturday, 21 May 2016.

·         All drainage ponds, ditches and watercourses on the site require safely fencing off, to prevent access by persons or vehicles, for example with robust ‘pedestrian barriers/fencing’.  Fencing must be of suitable height and strength to withstand persons falling against it.  As several of the ponds are at the edge of the car park, they should be fenced off with the end of the parking area clearly demarcated.

·         Open chamber containing water pipes: To prevent persons falling into the chamber, it requires securely fencing off or the fitting of a propriety lockable cover.

·         Gravel slope onto the grass field: The slope will cause persons to stumble and fall and therefore requires safely fencing off along its entire length.

·         Drinks should be served in non-glass bottles and drinking glasses.

The Licensing Team Leader presented the report of the Chief Officer (Planning & Environment) to consider and determine an application under the Licensing Act 2003 for a time limited Premises Licence in respect of private land at Five Acre, Ffordd Plas Ucha, Nercwys, Flintshire CH7 4EN.  The licence was sought for a proposed music festival to be held on Saturday, 21 May 2016 between 17.00 and 00.30 hours.  Two neighbours of the proposed site had objected to the application and their representations were appended to the report.

4.1       Representations by the Applicant

Speaking on behalf of the applicant, Mr. Darryl Davies explained that he was a long-standing resident of Nercwys.  Although not residing near the proposed site, he said that a number of annual bonfire events had taken place close to his own property over the years and that he had taken the view to accept the levels of noise and disruption in order to support these type of events for the benefit of the community.  However, he would not be willing to offer the same support if such events were held nearby on a regular basis.

In support of the application, Mr. Davies pointed out that the festival was a one-day event held every two years and that the applicant sought to improve each event.  He questioned the reasons for the objections when the aim of the event was to generate funds for the local community and charities, adding that he would not object if he lived near the site.  He was unaware of the planning issues mentioned in the letters of objection.  He acknowledged that the proposed venue was close to the complainants’ properties but felt that the event should be viewed positively and that the aim to generate money for good causes was of greater importance.

In response to questions from the Chairman, Mr. Davies spoke about the input and contributions by Mr. Phil Gerrard on the music festivals.  He added that the community bonfire events previously held, also organised by Mr. Gerrard, had ceased but that this was not due to any complaints.

Mr. Phil Gerrard provided background information on the annual festivals and explained the reasons for moving the event to Five Acre to include the provision of lighting, toilets and seating which were already situated at Five Acre and which would therefore not have to be deducted from the money raised, commenting that the site previously used at Ty Coch had not resulted in any complaints from the nearby resident.  He said that sound checks for the event would start between 2-3pm on the day of the festival with gates opening at 5pm and the music starting around 6pm.  He also pointed out that no representations had been made by the Police and Fire Service, and confirmed his agreement to the Health and Safety recommendations which would be implemented.

4.2      Representations by Interested Parties

Mr. Philip Bridges wished to clarify that he did not oppose the festival and fully supported charitable causes,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.

There was one member of the press and six members of the public in attendance.