Agenda item

To consider the report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Corporate Governance) on an application for the grant of a Premises Licence for the premises trading as Headingley Carnegie Cricket Ground situated at Headingley Cricket Ground, St Michael’s Lane, Headingley

(Report attached)

The Sub-Committee, having regard to the Licensing Act 2003, the Section 182 Guidance and the Authority’s own Statement of Licensing Policy considered an application for the grant of a Premises Licence for premises situated at Headingley Cricket Ground, St Michael’s Lane, Headingley, Leeds LS6 3BU, trading as Headingley Carnegie Cricket Ground.

The application for a Premises Licence requested the provision of sale of alcohol and regulated entertainment. The application proposed to use the licence for outdoor music events and concerts with a capacity of 14,999.

Representations had been received from LCC Environmental Protection,  LCC Development.

Present at the hearing were:

Mr Brian Birkes, Mr James Hogg and David Ryder – the applicants

Councillor James Monaghan

Local Residents: Mr Downing, Mr Davidson, Ms Charlton, Ms Ford, Mr Ghauri

Mr D Bewell – LCC Environmental Protection Team

Mr R Billsborough – LCC Environmental Protection Team

Mr C Sanderson – LCC Development

Mr J Baron – Press

The Sub-Committee heard from Mr Billsborough, LCC Environmental Protection, who informed the Sub-Committee of the full objection to the application by LCC Environmental Protection and the reasons for it. The Sub-Committee were informed about the Noise Council’s Code of Practice on Noise Control for Concerts, the classification of Headingley Cricket Club within this as an urban stadium, and the possible problems with noise control that could arise should the licence be granted.

The Sub-Committee heard from Mr Sanderson who detailed the reasons for the objection to the application from LCC Development. The Sub-Committee was informed that the licence application breached a number of conditions which had been imposed on the planning permission for the Headingley Stadium redevelopment. The conditions had been imposed with the intention of protecting the local residents.

Councillor Monaghan informed the Sub-Committee that the Headingley Stadium was situated in a very residential area, with a large proportion of elderly residents and families with young children. Noise from the stadium at 11.00 p.m. would be detrimental to the local residents.

The Sub-Committee was addressed by Mr Downing who outlined the concerns he had in respect of the application, including the increase in amplified sounds, parking and traffic issues and potential for alcohol fuelled anti-social behaviour.

Mr Davidson, Chair of the Turnways and Laurel Bank Residents’ Association; Ms Ford and Mr Ghauri informed the Sub-Committee of the concerns they had in respect of the application, and the effects that granting it would have on the local area and it’s residents.

The Sub-Committee then heard from Mr Hogg, Headingley Cricket Club. He informed of the need to keep investment coming into the club in order to keep Test Matches coming to Leeds, this was particularly important due to the connections cricket has with Yorkshire and England. He clarified the type of events that they were looking to hold at the stadium, and outlined the willingness of the applicants to work with residents groups including the possibility of setting up or using an existing committee to ensure all were consulted and informed, and of the possibility of setting up a dedicated hotline for residents to use should they wish to contact the stadium regarding an event being held there.

Following full and lengthy consideration of all the written and verbal representations, the Sub-Committee  on balance felt granting the application with stringent necessary conditions would uphold the licensing objectives. It was noted that the Cricket Club would have to have the planning permission amended in order to be able to use the licence granted by the Sub-Committee.

The Chair advised the applicants that they should work with the local residents and reminded them that it is possible for a licence to be reviewed.

  RESOLVED- That the licence application be granted in the following terms:

-  That no more than three events be held per year

-  That the hours be from 12:00 – 21:00

Conditions:

1  The licensee will provide a point of contact to the Environmental Health Section for the duration of the event by nominating a named person and telephone number.

2  The noise level shall not exceed 65 decibels over a 15 minute period at 1 metre from the nearest noise sensitive property, or a level set by the Environmental Health Section.  This includes sound levels being monitored continuously throughout the entire event, by a representative for the promoter.

3  The sound system shall be managed and operated in a responsible manner at all times.

4  Designated qualified personnel shall be present at the sound control position for the duration of the event for the purposes of ensuring that condition 3 is complied with.

5  Access to the sound control position shall be afforded to the representatives of Leeds City Council as they deem appropriate at any time throughout the event and during any sound checks.

6  The telephone complaints hot line will be made available for the duration of the sound checks and concerts.  The Environmental Health Section will be informed of any complaints that arise as soon as reasonably possible.

7  A competent and suitable experienced noise control consultant and noise control team will be appointed for events where necessary.  The need for a noise control consultant will be agreed with the Licensing Authority prior to the event.

8  The licence holder will ensure that all aspects of the operation of the event and provisions made by the event are in compliance with the event management plan as they relate to the prevention of public nuisance.

9  A letter/flyer shall be delivered to local residents and ward members three weeks before the event, which shall include the following information:-

·  The dates and times of the set up and breakdown activities.

·  Dates and times of sound checks and tests of the public address system.

·  Times of background music.

·  Times for the main performance and any other support act.

·  Details of the hot line number.

The contents and proposed areas of distribution of the letter/flyer shall be agreed with the Local Authority.

The committee also considered that the following conditions suggested by Leeds City Council Building Control were necessary and proportionate:

1  a fully detailed event management plan, which should be event specific, must be submitted and found to be satisfactory by all relevant bodies at least 28 days prior to each event.

2  A. fire safety risk assessment must be carried out for the premises as required by the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 the risk assessment must be carried out by a competent person and the significant findings recorded.

3.  A copy of the fire risk assessment must be made available to the authority no later than 28 days prior to any proposed events.