Agenda item

The report of the Chief Officer sets out an application for the grant of a premises licence, made by Headingley North-South Stand Limited, for South Stand Emerald Headingley Stadium, St Michaels Lane, Headingley, Leeds, LS6 3BR.

(Report attached)

The report of the Chief Officer Elections and Regulatory requested Members to consider an application for the grant of a premises licence, made by Headingley North-South Stand Limited, for South Stand Emerald Headingley Stadium, St Michaels Lane, Headingley, Leeds, LS6 3BR.

In attendance at the meeting were:

·  Howard Willis – Applicants’ Representative

·  Sue Ward – Head of Operations at Leeds Rugby Union Football Club

·  John Hill – Designated Premises Supervisor

·  Councillor Neil Walshaw

·  Lee Davidson – Member of the Public

·  Joanna Mingham – Member of the Public

·  Giselle Shaw – Member of the Public

·  Paul Tapper – Member of the Public

Members were advised that this was the first application for these newly built premises but the former Headingley South Stand Refreshment Room, held a premises licence under the Licensing Act 2003, with the activities of Sale of alcohol, Monday to Saturday 11:00 to 23:00 and Sunday 12:00 to 22:30, Recorded music everyday 00:00 to 23:59. The former building was demolished and the new South Stand Emerald Stadium has now been built and requires a premises licence.

Licensing Officer informed the Members that this application sought the grant of a premises licence for, live music, recorded music, and performance of dance, Monday to Saturday 13:00 to 23:30, late night refreshment, Monday to Saturday 23:00 to 23:30 and sale of alcohol everyday 12:00 to 23:00.

Non-standard timings

On Boxing Day to serve alcohol in the South Stand from 10:30. Traditionally the Stadium has hosted the Boxing Day Festive Challenge with a kick-off time of 11:30, therefore in this instance the stadium would want to serve alcohol outside the requested start time of 12:00.

It was noted that off sales from the concession bar would only be for consumption within the Headingley Stadium, on the seating and standing terraces of the premises on match days.

Representations had been received with redacted copies attached at Appendix C of the submitted report.

It was noted that the incorrect stand was highlighted on the plan (page 93 in the agenda pack) showing the North Rugby stand instead of the South Rugby stand.

Howard Willis and Sue Ward on behalf of the applicant addressed the sub-committee:

·  Suggested reduced hours to the Board:

Sale of Alcohol – Monday to Sunday 13:00 – 23:00

Recorded Music – Monday to Saturday 12:00 – 22:00

·  The stadium will hold a capacity of 1950 spectators and the current operating level stands at 20508spectators.

·  Tests have recently been undertaken as per Building Control regulations, to ensure the appropriate safety measures are in place in case of an evacuation; ensuring everybody in the stadium can hear the announcements. Sue Ward confirmed testing of the new PA system had taken place inside the stadium only.

·  The PA system won’t exceed noise levels but there is a possibility for crowd noise to exceed – the applicant also made the Board aware sound may travel through the gap of the North Stand whilst it is being constructed, the stand will be fully operational by 18th October

·  The recent Varsity game operated with a temporary system from the university and was not a true measure of what the new sound system will replicate

·  The licensing application before Members is to replicate what the previous stand had before and not to extend its operational hours? (with any of the proposed hours)

In response to Members questions Howard Willis and Sue Ward made the following points:

·  Mr Willis and Ms Ward weren’t aware of any noise complaints that had been received

·  The sound system will be clearer and will not be louder than what it was previously. They confirmed that the stadium has to comply Building Regulations and must adhere to certain decibel levels. The stadiums sound engineers have to maintain to that standard

·  The applicant confirmed that the club did hold meetings with residents and did invite them to the club for face to face meetings. They only recently had queries in respect of noise which emanated from the recent sound testing. The club also arranged meetings with Cllr Garthwaite and constituents, but the offer was not taken up

Councillor Walshaw explained residents’ have recently voiced levels in noise generated from the Stadium had increased.

Members of the Public put forward their reasons for objecting as follows:

·  Disruptive behaviour in the ginnel after match days (i.e. leaving litter and bottles)

·  Testing the sound system had only been done within the stadium and not outside of the grounds; residents’ also had issues with testing being carried out during the afternoon and at times when events/matches were not taking place

·  Concerns the operator had not put in place a waste management plan

·  Speakers being turned and angled causing noise levels to project more towards residents’ homes

·  Audible vibrations being felt within residents homes

Councillor Walshaw and Members of the Public made reference to Condition 10 of the Planning Consent and requested the Enforcement Team review the position of the speakers.

Following a question raised from one of the Members, it was confirmed there was no intention to apply for a license to conduct weddings or events. Members were informed the south stand is a seating area and not a conference or banqueting area.

In response to Members final concerns, Howard Willis and Sue Ward provided the following points:

·  Cannot confirm if Planning Condition 10 has been complied with, this will come back to the Board.

·  The new tannoy system has been in place for 2 weeks and part of this was switched of during the Varsity game in addition to a temporary system, not a true representation of the new system.

·  All noise from street departures cannot be measured as coming from the Stadium.

·  Whilst sound engineers reporting on noise levels are on-going, it was agreed that this would also be carried out on the Turnways

·  The new tannoy system is intended for recorded music as well as safety announcements which is currently in the Carnegie Stand.

·  Residents’ receive correspondence if the premises intend to make any changes, should residents’ raise concerns, they would be put onto an e-mailing group.

·  Sound measurement is sophisticated; in July 2019 once the redevelopment is complete, things will be different/

Sue Ward, Head of Operations at Leeds Rugby had agreed to conduct an independent survey to carry out further testing to measure noise levels.

Members carefully considered all the information presented to them in written submissions and at the hearing.

RESOLVED – To:

A.  Adjourn the application to a hearing which will be held on Tuesday 4^th December 2018 at 1.30pm

B.  Direct the applicant by 13^th November –

1.  To provide an independent report in respect of the noise levels in the streets/properties in consultation with local residents

2.  To confirm in writing that condition 10 of the Planning Permission has been complied with

3.  To provide any further evidence to confirm how the operator will promote the licensing objective in respect of public nuisance

C.   To note that no later than 27^th November, the ward members and residents who have made representations may respond in writing to the Applicant’s further evidence