Agenda and minutes

RESOLVED: That Councillor Hodgson be appointed Chair.

COUNCILLOR HODGSON IN THE CHAIR

Cllr Barnes informed the Sub-Committee that she had been approached by residents concerned about matters connected with the Race Course in terms of drone activity and animal welfare. These matters were unconnected to the hearing so were not considered to be prejudicial to Cllr Barnes’ participation in the hearing.

To consider and determine an application for grant of a premises licence in respect of Pitchcroft Racecourse (public area), Grand Stand Road, Worcester, Worcestershire WR1 3EJ.

The Sub-Committee considered an application for a Premises Licence in respect of the Pitchcroft Racecourse (public areas), Grand Stand Road, Worcester, WR1 3EJ.

At the start of the meeting, the Chair made the following statement:

“Presentations to the Sub-Committee are not given under oath. However, I would like to remind all parties that the highest standards are expected and any deviation from these high standards could possibly influence any decision of the Sub-Committee.”

All parties at the hearing were introduced. The Council’s Technical Supervisor (Community Engagement) (hereafter: TSCE) confirmed they were attending on behalf of the Applicant. They confirmed they were aware of their right to have legal representation at the meeting but had chosen not to. The applicant confirmed they were satisfied with the proposed procedure.

The Senior Practitioner – Licensing presented the report on behalf of Worcestershire Regulatory Services (WRS). The Senior Practitioner – Licensing explained that WRS received an application for a premises licence for the following licensable activities on 8 June 2022:

Office records confirm that the Pitchcroft Racecourse (public area) previously benefited from a premises licence which authorised the Sale of Alcohol, Regulated Entertainment and Late-Night Refreshment. This licence had however lapsed due to an internal administrative error.

The Senior Practitioner – Licensing explained that in the interests of transparency a new licence application had been made, which exactly mirrored the previous licence, which had been held since 2008.

No representations had been received from responsible authorities. Two letters had been received from the public during the consultation period, one which raised objections to the application on the grounds of noise nuisance, and another offering suggestions for mitigation of potential noise nuisance.

The Senior Practitioner – Licensing confirmed that the application related to the public area of the racecourse and not the course itself, or the Grandstand area.

In summary, the Senior Practitioner – Licensing explained that in

considering the application, the Sub-Committee should have regard to the

Council’s Statement of Licensing Policy under the Licensing Act 2003. The

Sub-Committee is obliged to determine the application with a view to the

promotion of the licensing objectives which are:

•          the prevention of crime and disorder;

•          public safety;

•          the prevention of public nuisance;

•          the protection of children from harm.

All parties were offered the opportunity to ask questions of the Senior Practitioner – Licensing.

The Senior Practitioner – Licensing confirmed that the application was for up to 12 events per year, which was a maximum number. Sub-Committee members asked whether any consideration was given to local residents  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9.