Agenda and draft minutes

RESOLVED:  That Councillor B Mortimer be elected Chairman for the Hearing.

There were no disclosures by Members and Officers.

There were no disclosures of lobbying.

RESOLVED:  That all 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.

Members were advised that the application was for a full premises licence for Mid Kent College of Higher and Further Education.  It was noted that although the premises did have a existing premises licence, the applicant had applied for a new licence rather than varying the existing licence.

The Applicant’s Solicitor stated that it was important to note that the premises was first and foremost a College to provide education.  The premises would provide a facility for students, their guests, members of the public and other community groups and would help to generate income for the College but it was not seen as the main driver.

It was emphasised that all licensable activities would finish by midnight, apart from New Year’s Eve, when the permitted hours would be until

2 a.m.

Members were taken through a site plan of the College by the applicant’s Solicitor who advised that:-

(1)  The venue for outside events would essentially be in the College courtyard, which was totally surrounded by brick.  If having carried out a risk assessment of an outside event that would give potential for loud music, there would be an option to put up some sound boarding.

(2)  The Auditorium which seats 150, stages plays, recorded music and live music events.  Notably the majority of music events would take place in the Auditorium.

(3)  In terms of security, all students would need to show their ID card, all guests would have to sign in and the Challenge 25 would be in operation.

(4)  It was noted that in addition to the 65 car parking spaces, an additional 100 spaces would be provided.  The route to and from the car parks is subject to a one way system.

The Applicant’s Solicitor advised of a meeting that had been held the previous week with local residents and a local Ward Member, Councillor Willis.  During that meeting Councillor Willis had suggested an additional condition could be included which would restrict the College to have 12 outside events a year.

The Objectors, Mr and Mrs Hamilton, were asked if they had any questions that they wanted to ask the Applicant’s Solicitor.

Mr Hamilton spoke to confirm that they were fairly new to the area and were not originally aware that the College held an existing premises licence until the meeting last week with other residents.  Since that meeting they confirmed that they were fairly relaxed with the situation as they felt a lot of their concerns had been appeased.

Members were then given an opportunity to ask any questions.

Councillor Mrs Springett asked the Applicant’s Solicitor how the College were going to enforce the Challenge 25.  Mr Thomas stated that the College already use the scheme successfully and ask for ID cards to confirm age.  Indeed all students have to sign in and their guests are asked to provide ID.

Councillor Mrs Springett  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.

2 p.m. to 3.30 p.m.