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 Harry’s Meadow Campsite, submitted under the Licensing Act 2003.

Decision of the Licensing Sub-Committee hearing held at Appletree Court, Lyndhurst on 31 March 2025 at 2.00pm.

1.           Parties and their Representatives attending the Hearing

Applicants:

Jesse Sheriff, Applicant’s son

Vivien Sheriff (Applicant, Harry’s Meadow Campsite)

2.           Other Persons attending the Hearing

Council Officers:

Ms Christa Ferguson - Licensing Manager
Philip Torjussen, Licensing Officer

3.           Officers attending to assist the Sub-Committee

Richard Davies – Legal Advisor

Andy Rogers – Clerk

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:

Those who had indicated that they would not be attending:

Hannah and Ian Downie – Garden Cottage, Queen Street

Hale Parish Council

Those who had not indicated whether they would be attending:

Mark and Helen Clark – Home Farm – Not Replied 

Neil Cruden – Hatchett End, Hatchett Green – Not Replied

5.           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 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

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”) in respect of the Harry’s Meadow Campsite, Hale.

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.

Having regard to these representations, the Licensing Authority must take such steps as it felt appropriate for the promotion of the licensing objectives.  The Legal Advisor explained that some of the objections received related to planning considerations, but reminded the Sub–Committee that consideration should relate to the licensable activities and their impact on the 4 licensing objectives only, as set out in the report. Impact on traffic and objections to the existence of the campsite were not relevant to the licensing objectives for the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3.