Agenda and minutes

To elect a chairman for the sub-committee.

It was agreed prior to the meeting that Councillor Rick Jones would chair this sub-committee meeting.

To receive any declarations of interest from Members.

There were no declarations of interest received.

Proposal:    Application to review License

Location:     Pinchington Hall, Crookham Hill Crookham Common Thatcham RG19 8DQ

Applicant:   Mr Nigel Bryant on behalf of the residents of Wellington Drive and surrounding premises.

Councillor Rick Jones, Chairman of the Sub-Committee, welcomed everyone to the meeting and explained the hybrid meeting process. Those participants who had joined the meeting via Zoom confirmed they had heard and understood the introduction.

The Sub-Committee considered a report (Agenda Item 3) concerning Licensing Review Application 21/00786/LQN in respect of Pinchington Hall, Crookham Hill, Thatcham, RG19 8DQ.

In accordance with the Council’s Constitution, Brad Timm (Licensing Officer, West Berkshire Council) and Mr Nigel Bryant (Applicant), addressed the Sub-Committee on this application.

Councillor Simon Pike (Thatcham Town Council), Councillor Steve Ardagh-Walter (Ward member for Thatcham Colthrop & Crookham), Mr Peter Thompson (Local resident) and Jodie Wilson (Environmental Health) addressed the sub0committee in support of the review.

Ms Linda Beechley-Smith (License holder) and her representative Ms Joanna Maule addressed the sub-committee as objectors to the review.

Mr Timm, in addressing the Sub-Committee, raised the following points:

·         The Licensing Authority had accepted an application from Mr Nigel Bryant on behalf of residents of Wellingtonia Drive and the surrounding area for a review of the premises licence in relation to Pinchington Hall, Crookham Hill, Thatcham, RG19 8DQ on 17^th September 2021 under section 51 of the Licensing Act 2003.

·         The grounds for review were all of the licensing objectives:

o   Prevention of Crime and Disorder

o   Public Safety

o   Prevention of Public Nuisance

o   Protection of Children

·         The 28 day consultation period ran from 18^th September 2021 to 15^th October 2021.The Responsible Authorities, Ward Members and Parish Council had been informed.

·         The application was advertised in accordance with the regulations and the required blue notices had been placed at the premises and had been checked by an Officer from the Public Protection Partnership.

·         During the consultation period, the Licensing Authority received representations to support the review application from Jodie Wilson (Environmental Health) and from Thatcham Town Council.

All parties confirmed they had heard the presentation by Brad Timm.

Councillor Billy Drummond enquired why the temporary event license was not checked against the conditions of the premises license. Mr Timm was unsure but noted licenses for events are usually treated as a stand-alone application.

Councillor Simon Pike referred to the requirement for two noise management plans under paragraph 17 of the premises license and asked if any had been provided. It was confirmed that no noise management plans had been submitted.

Mr Bryant, in addressing the Sub-Committee, raised the following points:

·         That he was speaking on behalf of several residents of Wellingtonia Drive and the surrounding area.

·         That the housing was a new development and that residents had been told that Pinchington Hall was being let out as a Bed & Breakfast with no mention of large events being held there. Residents had become aware that it was a licensed premises following a loud event in April when 20-30 young men were staying at Pinchington Hall making noise until 2am. Residents looked up the Hall online to contact the owners and it was then they found  ...  view the full minutes text for item 12.