Licence Hearing

Reference Number:TBC

Application type:      Application for the Grant of a Premises Licence

Premise:                    “Lincolnshire Showground” Grange-De-Lings, Lincolnshire LN2 2NA

Applicant:                  Lincolnshire Agricultural Society

Note The meeting adjourned at 10.18 am in order for Sub Committee Members to read additional information which had been submitted by the applicant.

The meeting reconvened at 10.21 am.

The Legal Adviser summarised the procedure that was to be followed.  The Licensing Team Manager presented the report and informed the meeting that there had been a representation submitted by a further party however this person was not present at the hearing.

It was noted that this was a new application to replace the existing licence.  The requested change was to increase the capacity from 14,999 to 29,999.  There had been two public objections and one from Environmental Health.

The applicant’s legal representative presented the case seeking approval for the change.  It was clarified that there was no increase in opening hours proposed, the licence already allowed for up to 4a.m. and given that there had been no complaints received previously regarding this, it was clearly not a problem.

The Lincolnshire Showground requested greater flexibility to make sensible assessments according to the events taking place.  Careful consideration was always given to the management of events in order to minimise disruption to nearby residents. 

The organisation had agreed to additional conditions with Environmental Health and these were set out on page 12 of the additional bundle supplied.  However it was noted that Environmental Health had requested conditions that required noise from the site to be inaudible between 2300 and 1000 hours.  The Sub Committee noted this was in relation to concerns regarding noise from concerts or events and not noise from people attending the site.

The objector present at the meeting spoke to the Sub Committee stating that she had been aware of the risks when she had moved to the area, but she had worked with the Showground management and they were generally good neighbours.  The Showground was something to be proud of.  Mrs Broster accepted that there had been a misunderstanding regarding the opening hours, however the concerns of residents regarding traffic were still an issue.  It was felt that the traffic management plan ought to be part of the Safety Advisory Group plan.

Environmental Health Officers noted that they were keen to support the Showground, but without inconvenience to neighbouring residents.  There were concerns that the increase in numbers could lead to an increase in nuisance.  The request for a 45db level after 2300 hours was a factual measurement, not a subjective perception.

The Sub Committee raised a number of questions regarding the amendments to Gate 3, and also the frequency of major events.  The site operated without a decibel limit at the moment, this measured the volume of the music, and there was no evidence that an increased number of people would cause a problem without a decibel limit.

The Sub Committee noted the concerns of Mrs Broster regarding access and nuisance from traffic at Gate 3.  The Applicant had confirmed they were installing CCTV at that gate and also had to ensure traffic management control as part of big events.  They also intended to provide shuttle buses for people attending the site.

Each of the parties present summed up their case, and the Sub Committee adjourned at 11.39 am to deliberate on their decision.

The meeting reconvened at 12.08 pm, following which the decision was read out.

RESOLVED that:

The Sub Committee have decided to grant the licence subject to conditions 1-5 on page 12 of the applicant bundle.  It is noted that conditions 2-5 are already agreed by Environmental health and the applicant.  The Sub Committee are of the view that the conditions offered are appropriate and proportionate and promote the licensing objectives of public nuisance.

The Sub Committee do not intend to include any additional conditions relating to traffic as they are satisfied that the steps the applicant is putting in place, the free shuttle buses and the traffic management plan, will address those concerns.  They also note that some of the concerns are outside of the control of the applicant.

The Sub Committee would request that the showground ask persons leaving the site to do so quietly and considerately.

The Chairman advised that all parties would be notified of the decision in writing within five working days of today’s hearing and reminded those present of the right to appeal to the Magistrates’ Court within 21 days of receiving such notice.