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 the premises licence variation application submitted by Leap Innovations Ltd under the Licensing Act 2003 in respect of the Horse and Groom Public House, Woodgreen, Fordingbridge SP6 2AS. 

Decision of the Licensing Sub-Committee hearing held at Appletree Court, Lyndhurst on Thursday, 14 August 2025 at 10.00 am.

1.               Parties and their Representatives attending the Hearing

Applicant(s):

Mr Mark Flanigan

Objectors in attendance:

Parties representing objectors:

Wendy Gregoire representing Robert Wanstall (both in attendance)

Mr Corps representing Anne Wanstall (both in attendance)

Amanda Willgoss (representing Caroline and Reginald Gurd)

2.               Other Persons attending the Hearing

Council Officers:

Christa Ferguson – Licensing Manager

3.               Officers attending to assist the Sub-Committee

Richard Davies – Legal Advisor

Andy Rogers – Democratic Services Officer

Lee Ellis – Democratic Services Officer

4.               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:

Parties who had indicated that they would not be attending:

Peter Carpenter

Mr Bruce and Mrs J Dawson

Sue Russell

Caroline and Reginald Gurd

Parties who had not indicated whether they would be attending:

JR Sanger

Anita and Kevin Ambrose Hunt

Dr Ali Everest

Julia Worthy

Jane Perry

Sandra Pargeter

Pauline Hataisantiwong

Anne Wanstall was at the hearing Mr and Mrs Atkinson

Persons who had withdrawn their objections

Mr Peter Davies, Corinne Savill and Mr Tomkins had withdrawn their objections following receipt of further information, and therefore were no longer parties to the hearing.

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

5.               The Chairman explained the procedure for the hearing which all parties agreed to.

The purpose of the hearing was to determine an application for a variation to the premises licence under section 34of the Licensing Act 2003 in respect of the Horse and Groom public house, Woodgreen, Fordingbridge.  In accordance with section 35 of the Licensing 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.

6.               Evidence

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

·        The Home Office Guidance issued under section 182of 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.

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 application had been made following a visit by Police and NFDC Licensing Officers  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3.