Agenda item

To consider the report of the Head of Licensing and Registration on an application received for the grant of a premises licence for Candle House, Ground Floor Commercial Unit, Candle House, 1 Wharf Approach, Holbeck, Leeds, LS1 4GJ

Members of the Licensing Sub Committee were asked to consider an application for the grant of a premises licence for Candle House, Ground Floor, Commercial Unit, Candle House, 1 Wharf Approach, Holbeck, Leeds, LS1 4GJ.

The application had received representations from Leeds City Council

Environmental Health as a responsible authority. Also representations and a

petition from other persons had been received.

Representations had previously been received from West Yorkshire Police

however these were withdrawn following agreement with the operator to the

conditions sought.

In attendance were the following:

Mr Whur – Solicitor representing the applicant

Mr and Mrs Lawson – Applicants

Mr  Mann – LCC Environmental Health

Mr Higgins – LCC Environmental Health

Mr Essam – Objector

At this point in the meeting Mr Whur confirmed to the Sub- Committee and to

Environmental Health officers present that the applicant was happy to

comply with all the conditions proposed by Environmental Health. Officers

from Environmental Health subsequently withdrew the Environmental Health

representation.

The Sub Committee then heard from Mr Whur on behalf of the applicant,

whose presentation included the following points:

That the applicant’s business was a successful Yorkshire family owned entity,

founded in 1997, and which now has over 23 pubs and associated breweries.

It was put to the Sub Committee that all the pubs are run successfully by a

responsible, experienced operator and as such have not been subject to any

reviews of licences.

The business continues to expand and offers quality food and drink.

The premises in question are below the landlord’s offices of an

apartment block which would provide a sound buffer for residents. Also that

the site was a good opportunity due to the new southern entrance to the train

station opening in the near future.

That the licence applied for is modest and that external seating will be

withdrawn at 10pm. Furthermore the space inside would be occupied by

seating with no stage or live music.

That the premises would be a positive for the area and represent a significant

investment.

At this stage the Sub Committee had no questions.

The Sub Committee heard from Mr Essam who highlighted the concerns

held by residents about the noise that would be produced should the licence

be granted both from taxis ferrying customers to and from the venue and the

increased number of people who would be drinking at the venue. Mr Essam

also raised concerns about the health and safety of pedestrians on the single

track road used by taxis which leads to the building. Finally the risk to security

at the building and the possibility of the venue’s customers accessing the

residential part of the building was put to the Sub Committee.

Members then asked questions to the applicant about arrangements for

security and for the management of taxis dropping off and collecting

customers. It was confirmed to Members that taxi firms would be asked to ensure that they pick up and drop off at the entrance to the nearby hotel. With regards to security it was highlighted that CCTV will be in place and that the operator would be available to discuss any concerns raised by residents on an ongoing basis.  Mr Whur said that the Applicant will continue to assess and review security and was also committed to working with residents regarding the positioning of the smoking area and, if necessary, this would be moved.

Mr Whur stated that some of the issues raised such as taxi provision  were

planning issues. It was highlighted that the operator was responsible and had

no problems with any of its other venues and that it would co-operate fully

with the police and other responsible authorities.  Mr Whur referred to

additional condition 2 and to section 136 of the Licensing Act 2003.

RESOLVED – That the application be granted subject to all additional

conditions proposed by West Yorkshire Police and the Environmental Health

department being accepted and applied by the applicant.  The Sub Committee lso noted the applicant’s commitment to continue to work with residents.