To consider the head of legal and democratic service’s report.
Minutes:
Nigel Connor, solicitor, and Rachel Turner, area manager were present to represent J D Wetherspoons, the applicant. Also present, in an observer role, were Rupert Stephens and Nick Piasechi, who were representatives of the landlord: London and Economic Properties Ltd.
Celia Warman, a local resident, was present to raise concerns about the application.
Kate Fisher, the licensing officer, presented her report: highlighting the major issues including the proposed opening and licensing hours and the objections raised.
Neither the Panel, nor the applicant, nor the objector had any questions for the licensing officer.
Nigel Connor, spoke on behalf of the applicant. He presented the case and highlighted some amendments which had been agreed by the applicant and which were within the officer’s report.
Mr Connor explained Wetherspoon’s raison d’être as providing an all age environment and being food led. There would be approximately 120 covers presented on permanent tables and chairs and children would be welcome, with adults, until 9.30 pm. The company sold real ale and did not run happy hour type promotions.
Abingdon on Thames Town Council had raised concerns about the sale of alcohol at 8.00 am. Mr Connor explained that this was largely to service shift workers and was a low volume of sales. He also explained that although alcohol sold was “good value”, Wetherspoons pubs had good management and supervision in place.
In answer to questions from the Panel and Mrs Warman, Mr Connor made the following points.
Alick Natton, environmental health officer, confirmed that all conditions had been agreed with the applicant, but that the issue of a suitable outdoor smoking area still remained unresolved and would need to be subject to an amended application.
Mrs Warman chose note to make a presentation but had outstanding concerns about the impact of delivery lorries on the local area. She was informed that the planning restrictions relating to this application were restrictive in terms of vehicular access to the site.
The chairman offered the parties an opportunity to sum up, but all felt content with their original submissions.
All parties confirmed, when asked, that they had had a fair hearing.
The parties left the hearing and the panel deliberated in closed session. They were advised by Sarah Commins, Litigation and Planning Lawyer and Susan Harbour, Democratic Services Officer.
After agreeing a decision, the parties were reconvened, and the chairman read the decision to the parties. The signed decision notice is attached to these minutes.
Supporting documents: