Agenda and draft minutes

There were no disclosures by Members or Officers.

There were no disclosures of lobbying.

RESOLVED: That the Items on the Agenda be taken in public as proposed.

The Chairman requested those present to introduce themselves, explained the procedures and Members confirmed that they had read all the papers.

Mrs Bolas explained that the hearing was regarding an application for a new premises licence made by Solar Collective Limited in respect of the premises Grid Ref: TQ76730 48721, open grass field/land, with attached woodland, off Lower Farm Lane, Boughton Monchelsea.  Objections had been received from 26 other persons and initial representations had been received from the Police and Environmental Health, but subsequently withdrawn following the proposed addition of conditions to the licence accepted by the applicant for inclusion in the operating schedule.

Mr Townsend, on behalf of the applicant, stated in his opening remarks that his family had lived and worked on the Farm since 1947 and have been a part of the local community for many years, his father having been Chairman of the Parish Council in the past.  He stated that, although it is a working farm, they do need to diversify and holding events is a way for them to do this.  They are environmentally conscious and promote solar power and all events will be powered this way. A successful event was held in September 2012 under a TEN and he had been advised to apply for a premises licence for the future. Although the application looks like it is for all year events can only be held during a certain time of the year as the field is too boggy in the winter and hay is grown there in the first part of the year. Their main wish is for a 3 day event annually but also for a number of one day events and camping, including weddings.

Mr Townsend then submitted his evidence in support of the application.  Having read the objections received, he stated he would address the areas of concern in turn. 

Traffic - He stated that the traffic will be directed down the A229 on to Butt Green Lane and then Lower Farm Road.  The route will be signposted with encouragements to drive slowly and these roads have many passing places and the verges are firm in the summer months.  The only house along this route is on the junction of the A229 and Butt Green Lane and is currently unoccupied.  They have a traffic management plan to ensure the roads do not get blocked and the car park area will be managed by traffic marshalls.  All emergency vehicles will be taken to the farm entrance which provides clear and easy access to the site. 

Noise – There is a noise management plan which is similar to the one used for last year’s event.  The plan will be further amended to accommodate the conditions proposed by Environmental Health should the licence be granted. He felt that these conditions are fair.

Crime – All events are family friendly and SIA Security will be on site.  They will work with the police should the need arise, but this is not  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.

10 a.m. to 3.15 p.m.