Resolved –

(1)  That Councillor H Smith be appointed Chair to consider the matter regarding Pebbles together with Councillors T Norbury and D Roberts.

(2)  That Councillor S Niblock be appointed Chair to consider the matter regarding Birkenhead School together with Councillors T Norbury and H Smith.

Members of the Sub-Committee were asked to declare any disclosable pecuniary and non pecuniary interests in connection with any application on the agenda and state the nature of the interest.

No such declarations were made.

The Strategic Director of Regeneration and Environment reported upon an application that had been received from Pebbles (Hoylake) Limited for a Provisional Statement in respect of Pebbles, North Parade, Hoylake, under the provisions of the Licensing Act 2003.

Members were advised that where a premises are being or about to be constructed, extended or otherwise altered for the purpose of being used for one or more licensable activities, a Provisional Statement is required to be submitted.  If a Provisional Statement is granted, the applicant is required to apply for a Premises Licence before the premises can provide licensable activities.

Members were further advised that when a person applies for a Premises Licence in respect of premises for which a Provisional Statement has been made, representations by Responsible Authorities and other persons would be excluded in certain circumstances which were outlined within the report.

The hours requested were outlined within the report.  The applicant had submitted an operating schedule setting out how the business would be conducted/managed in accordance with the four licensing objectives.  A copy of the full application was available.  Members were advised that the proposals set out in the operating schedule may become conditions of the licence should the licence be granted.

Representations had been received from nine local residents.  Three petitions had also been received signed by 77 local residents who were against the application.  The representations and petitions related to concerns that public nuisance from entertainment coming from the premises would be caused if the application was granted and concerns regarding increased traffic within the vicinity of the premises would also cause a nuisance. 

A representation had also been received from Ward Councillor, John Hale.  The representation supported the concerns expressed by local residents.  Copies of the representations and petition were available.

Mr M Brassey, the applicant’s agent attended the meeting together with Mr G Watson, the Director of Pebbles.  Also in attendance were local residents Mr J McGinley, Mr A Peters, Ms R Morris and Mrs S Boston.

The Licensing Manager confirmed that all documentation had been sent and received.

Mr Brassey addressed the Sub-Committee and advised Members that the application had been submitted as a result of an ongoing project which had been started eight years previously when the current building had been closed down.  Mr Brassey informed Members that the applicant wished to convert the building into a high class café/bistro and that the premises had received full planning approval including a condition that had been imposed regarding strict opening hours in that the premises would close at dusk between 1 September and 31 March.  Mr Brassey advised that a survey had been undertaken with local residents regarding the Premises Licence and that some residents had concerns regarding noise disturbance and disturbance to wildlife.  He reported that the applicant had experience of running a similar style premises in another area and that the sale of alcohol was needed to make the business viable.  Mr Brassey also informed Members that he  ...  view the full minutes text for item 24.

The Strategic Director of Regeneration and Environment reported upon an application that had been received from Birkenhead School for a Premises Licence in respect of Birkenhead School, 58 Beresford Road, Oxton, under the provisions of the Licensing Act 2003.

The hours requested were outlined within the report.  The applicant had submitted an operating schedule setting out how the business would be conducted/managed in accordance with the four licensing objectives.  A copy of the full application was available.  Members were advised that the proposals set out in the operating schedule may become conditions of the licence should the licence be granted.

Representations had been received from seven local residents.  The representations related to noise nuisance caused by persons leaving the premises at a late hour at times when functions had taken place at the premises under Temporary Event Notices.  Copies of the representations were available. 

Mr K Watson, Catering Manager and Mr M Turner, Bursar, attended the meeting.  Also in attendance were Mr J Lyons, Mr R and Mrs C Hurst and Mr W and Mrs I Meldrum, local residents.

The Licensing Manager confirmed that all documentation had been sent and received.  Mr Turner, Mr Lyons and Mrs Hurst made a request to submit additional documentation.  All parties agreed that this would be considered at the appropriate time.

Mr Turner outlined the application.  He explained that there was no intention for events to be any different than previous events and that he was fully in support of the licensing objectives being upheld.  He reported that he was also a local resident in Kingsmead Road South.  Mr Turner advised Members that the events were held across a number of venues at the premises and agreed that no event would continue beyond midnight.  He also advised that he had withdrawn the request for Non Standard Timings that had originally been applied for.  Mr Turner had not been aware of any noise emanating from the premises during events, however, he agreed that noise should be retained within the grounds of the premises.  Mr Turner advised Members that the events were held for the benefit of pupils and parents and requested that the application be granted in order that the number of events would not be restricted in the future.

Mr Turner responded to questions from the local residents, Members of the Sub-Committee and Mr D K Abraham, Legal Advisor to the Sub-Committee.

Mrs Meldrum expressed her concerns regarding parking issues in the area and people being denied access to their driveways and reported that the York stone on the pavement needed protecting.  Mrs Meldrum was concerned that the premises may hold events every evening and advised that the noise emanating from the premises when entertainment took place was untenable at times.

Mrs Hurst advised Members that she had concerns regarding noise nuisance caused by car engines and doors banging, raised voices and music late at night and that residents experienced difficulties with traffic and people parking over driveways.

Mr Lyons expressed concerns regarding parking  ...  view the full minutes text for item 25.