Agenda and draft minutes

To elect a Chairman for the meeting.

Cllr S Clarke was elected Chairman of the Sub-Committee.

To note any declarations of interest made by members in connection with an agenda item. The nature of the interest must also be specified.

There were none.

To determine a licence variation application for David Lloyd Leisure Centre, Christchurch Road, Ringwood, submitted under the Licensing Act 2003.

Decision of the Licensing Sub-Committee hearing held at Appletree Court, Lyndhurst on 20 May 2025 at 10.00am.

1.           Parties and their Representatives attending the Hearing

Applicant:

Patrick Robson, John Gaunt & Partners (Applicant’s solicitor)

Mr Chris Linda (David Lloyd Leisure Centre, Ringwood - Centre Manager)

Objector:

Mr Sweeney

The Parties who had indicated they would not be attending the hearing, but were to be represented by Mr Sweeney are:

Mr Mears

Julie Wallom

Ms H Porter

Council Officers:

Ms Christa Ferguson - Licensing Manager and
Peter Donelan - Licensing Officer

2.           Officers attending to assist the Sub-Committee

Richard Davies – Legal Advisor

Andy Rogers – Democratic Services Officer

3.           Absence of Parties

At the outset of the hearing it was noted by the Sub-Committee that a number of the parties were absent as set out below:

Objectors:

Those who had indicated that they would not be attending:

Mr D Johnson

Those who had not indicated whether they would be attending:

G Solly

J Solly

J Donabie

S Lawes

D Robb

N Aubin

M Barnes

A Watts

4.           Evidence

Some absent parties had not indicated whether or not they would be in attendance.  The Sub-Committee considered whether it was necessary in the public interest to adjourn the hearing or to hold the hearing in the absence of those parties.  The Sub-Committee decided to proceed with the hearing in their absence and take into consideration their written representations in reaching its decision.

The Sub-Committee considered the application along with the evidence, both written and oral, supplied by the Applicant and all those who had made relevant representations.  In reaching its decision, the Sub-Committee has had regard to:

·        The Home Office Guidance issued under section 182 of the Licensing Act 2003,

·        The Council's own Statement of Licensing Policy.

·        The steps that are appropriate to promote the licensing objectives

·        Relevant Representations presented by all parties.

At the hearing, the Sub-Committee carefully listened to all the evidence that was provided, and considered what action, if any, was appropriate for the promotion of the four licensing objectives namely, the prevention of crime and disorder; public safety; the prevention of public nuisance; and the protection of children from harm.

The Council’s Legal Advisor, Mr Davies explained that the purpose of the hearing was to determine an application for a variation to the premises licence under section 34 of the Licensing Act 2003 (“the Act”) and, in accordance section 35 of the Act, where relevant representations had been made to the Licensing Authority in response to a premises licence application, the Licensing Authority must hold a hearing to consider them.

The Legal Advisor explained that many of the objections received, raised similar concerns about changes to provision of sporting facilities at the Leisure Centre, as well as planning and parking considerations, but reminded the Sub-Committee that consideration should only relate to the licensable activities and their impact on the four licensing objectives, as set out in the report.

The Licensing Manager outlined the Application.  It was explained that  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3.